Batten (theater)
Encyclopedia
In theater, batten refers to a long metal pole suspended above the stage
or the audience from which lighting fixture
s, theatrical scenery
, tabs or other curtains may be hung. Usually these battens can be lowered to the stage (flown in) or raised into a fly tower above the stage (flown out) using a counterweighted fly system
or automated, motor driven lift.
Often they have large loops of spring steel
extending to each side so that other battens which are swinging do not damage the lighting instruments. Electrics generally have an established trim height (a reference for standard height) so that focusing is consistent. In some theaters, especially where battens are close together, a heat resistant fabric is attached in front of the electric to prevent heat from the lighting instruments from damaging nearby flown items.
.
designed to reflect sound produced on stage back into the audience. These shells often include large folding panels which can be flown in.
above the stage. This is sometime considered a safer approach, as there is less chance of pipe accidentally "running" in or out, but it forces electricians, riggers, and audio engineers to carry equipment or scenery to the pipes via ladders, lifts, or ropes.
Stage (theatre)
In theatre or performance arts, the stage is a designated space for the performance productions. The stage serves as a space for actors or performers and a focal point for the members of the audience...
or the audience from which lighting fixture
Stage lighting instrument
Stage lighting instruments are used in stage lighting to illuminate theatrical productions, concerts, and other performances taking place in live performance venues. They are also used to light television studios and sound stages.Many stagecraft terms vary between the United States and the United...
s, theatrical scenery
Theatrical scenery
Theatrical scenery is that which is used as a setting for a theatrical production. Scenery may be just about anything, from a single chair to an elaborately re-created street, no matter how large or how small, whether or not the item was custom-made or is, in fact, the genuine item, appropriated...
, tabs or other curtains may be hung. Usually these battens can be lowered to the stage (flown in) or raised into a fly tower above the stage (flown out) using a counterweighted fly system
Fly system
A fly system, flying system or theatrical rigging system, is a system of lines , blocks , counterweights and related devices within a theatre that enable a stage crew to quickly, quietly and safely fly components such as curtains, lights, scenery, stage effects and, sometimes, people...
or automated, motor driven lift.
Types
Electric
An electric is a batten with cables run above the pipe, often enclosed in a raceway. It generally has plugs for lights, DMX data cable, or audio built in which continue through a snake to dimmers, control boards, or patchbays. The plugs have identifying numbers printed on them so that they can be easily referenced by the control system. Loaded electrics are among the heaviest types of battens, often weighing more than a thousand pounds. As such, it is very important to keep them in proper balance as an out-of-weight electric can very quickly result in a catastrophic runaway.Often they have large loops of spring steel
Spring steel
Spring steel is a low alloy, medium carbon steel or high carbon steel with a very high yield strength. This allows objects made of spring steel to return to their original shape despite significant bending or twisting.-Grades:...
extending to each side so that other battens which are swinging do not damage the lighting instruments. Electrics generally have an established trim height (a reference for standard height) so that focusing is consistent. In some theaters, especially where battens are close together, a heat resistant fabric is attached in front of the electric to prevent heat from the lighting instruments from damaging nearby flown items.
Drapery
A drapery pipe carries travelers, tormentor legs, borders, or tabs. Full-stage drapes can be very heavy, weighing hundreds of pounds, especially the grand drape. Legs or borders however, can be comparably light as they are not usually very thick and sewn without fullnessGather (sewing)
Gathering is a sewing technique for shortening the length of a strip of fabric so that the longer piece can be attached to a shorter piece. It is commonly used in clothing to manage fullness, as when a full sleeve is attached to the armscye or cuff of a shirt, or when a skirt is attached to a...
.
Clouds
Many theaters have built in shellsShell (theater)
In theater, a shell is a curved, hard surface designed to reflect sound towards an audience.Often shells are designed to be removable, either rolling away on wheels or flying into a flyspace...
designed to reflect sound produced on stage back into the audience. These shells often include large folding panels which can be flown in.
Storage
Some theatres use spare battens to store unneeded scenery or lighting instruments. This practice is generally discouraged due to the hazard created by overhead storage.Alternatives
Some theaters do not employ this system, and instead use a static network of pipes accessible from catwalksCatwalk (theater)
A catwalk is an elevated service platform from which many of the technical functions of a theater, such as lighting and sound, may be manipulated.- Function :...
above the stage. This is sometime considered a safer approach, as there is less chance of pipe accidentally "running" in or out, but it forces electricians, riggers, and audio engineers to carry equipment or scenery to the pipes via ladders, lifts, or ropes.