Derek Epstein

Bio:

Derek Epstein is a Senior Rigging Manager for Encore, based in Boston, Massachusetts. He is an ETCP Certified Rigger and Recognized Trainer and holds a BFA in Theatre and Dance with an emphasis in Scenic Design from the University of Wyoming. Derek supports both national offsite rigging operations and regional rigging teams across the U.S., and plays a key role in shaping Encore’s training initiatives and safety practices for the rigging division.

Beyond his work at Encore, Derek is an active member of the entertainment rigging community. He serves on the ESTA Technical Standards Program (TSP) Rigging Working Group, contributing to the development and revision of industry standards. He also proudly chairs the Membership Committee for the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT).

Earlier in his career, Derek worked as a scenic carpenter at the Tony Award–winning South Coast Repertory in California, taught technical theater and carpentry at Emerson College, and managed projects for a Boston-based production company serving theaters, escape rooms, and dance companies across New England.

In his free time, Derek enjoys board games, local theater, and spending time with his wife, Linda, and their two cats, Lego and Ami.