Which term refers to the act of suspending and controlling the movement of objects above a stage?

The term that best describes the act of suspending and controlling the movement of objects above a stage is "rigging." Rigging encompasses the entire system of ropes, pulleys, and hardware used to suspend lighting, scenery, and other equipment in a theatrical environment. This practice is crucial in ensuring safety, functionality, and effective staging within a performance.

While "hoisting" specifically refers to the action of lifting objects, it is a subset of rigging. "Flying" is commonly used in theatre to describe the act of moving scenery or performers up and down, but it does not encompass the entire scope of rigging. "Suspension," while related to holding something in place, lacks the comprehensive context of control and the mechanisms involved in rigging operations. Thus, rigging is the most accurate term for the overall practice involved in safely managing suspended elements in a theatre setting.