In 2014, Matt Hooper Pennington and Adam O’Connor founded Arête in a small warehouse in Sun Valley, CA. Focusing initially on scenery, Arête’s services quickly grew to include rigging, staging, special effects, production services and, more recently, expanded to offer risk assessment and safety supervision. In early 2018, we relocated to Arête’s current headquarters on Greenbush Avenue in North Hollywood.
In 2016 Arête became the first business of its kind to sign with the International Association of Theatrical and Stage Employees (IATSE). Having deals with Locals 44, 80, 724, 728, and 729 means Arête is the only union shop in existence to specialize in Challenge, Obstacle Course, and Stunt shows.
