Fly crew
Encyclopedia
A fly crew is a group of people who operate a fly system
from its locking rail during a theatrical production. The responsibilities of a fly crew include bringing battens
in and out, keeping the fly system linesets in balance, and ensuring that the fly system's rope lock
s are applied when the associated linesets are not moving. Each member of the crew is called a flyman. Large venues will often have several flymen on their fly crews, as well as a fly captain
to manage the crew and plan cues for the fly system.
During a show, predefined cues may require flymen to operate the fly system at high speeds and with great precision. The scenery used in shows can weigh one ton or more and may be flown in at speeds approaching 30 miles per hour and stopped at stage level without hitting the deck. Consequently, the skills of a flyman may take years to master, and flying is often considered an art form in its own right. Loaders are flymen who work high above the stage in the grid, adding or removing counterweights from the fly system arbors.
es may be used to protect fly crew members or loaders. But can be equally as dangerous should falling occur and rescue be delayed.
s were used as fly crews in theaters because they had comprehensive knowledge of knot
s and rope
s due to their experience with sail
s. They communicated with one another using high-pitched whistles
. Because of this, whistling was not allowed in theaters to prevent it from accidentally being interpreted as a flyrail command. It is still considered 'bad luck' to whistle in a theater.
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...
from its locking rail during a theatrical production. The responsibilities of a fly crew include bringing battens
Batten (theater)
In theater, batten refers to a long metal pole suspended above the stage or the audience from which lighting fixtures, theatrical scenery, tabs or other curtains may be hung...
in and out, keeping the fly system linesets in balance, and ensuring that the fly system's rope lock
Rope lock
A rope lock is a device used in a counterweight fly system to prevent a rope, and the lineset it controls, from moving. It consists of two metal cams which are pressed towards each other so as to grip the rope by compressing it. A long steel handle—which is typically red powder coated or covered by...
s are applied when the associated linesets are not moving. Each member of the crew is called a flyman. Large venues will often have several flymen on their fly crews, as well as a fly captain
Fly captain
A fly captain is known as the fly man in theaters in the US & Canada. The fly man is in charge of a fly crew which operates a fly system in a theatrical production. Ordinarily a fly man will coordinate with the set designer to get flying scenery safely into the fly loft and to plan and delegate...
to manage the crew and plan cues for the fly system.
During a show, predefined cues may require flymen to operate the fly system at high speeds and with great precision. The scenery used in shows can weigh one ton or more and may be flown in at speeds approaching 30 miles per hour and stopped at stage level without hitting the deck. Consequently, the skills of a flyman may take years to master, and flying is often considered an art form in its own right. Loaders are flymen who work high above the stage in the grid, adding or removing counterweights from the fly system arbors.
Safety
The job is often dangerous and carries a high degree of risk due to the large amount of weight and great heights involved. A run-away line, for example, might injure the operator or others in the way of the moving equipment, and a counterweight dropped from the grid could kill or injure a person standing below. When the crew adds or removes counterweights they are often working at heights of six stories or more in the area above a stage known as a fly loft, or grid. Consequently, safety harnessSafety harness
A safety harness is a form of protective equipment designed to protect a person, animal, or object from injury or damage. The harness is an attachment between a stationary and non-stationary object and is usually fabricated from rope, cable or webbing and locking hardware...
es may be used to protect fly crew members or loaders. But can be equally as dangerous should falling occur and rescue be delayed.
History
Historically, off-duty sailorSailor
A sailor, mariner, or seaman is a person who navigates water-borne vessels or assists in their operation, maintenance, or service. The term can apply to professional mariners, military personnel, and recreational sailors as well as a plethora of other uses...
s were used as fly crews in theaters because they had comprehensive knowledge of knot
Knot
A knot is a method of fastening or securing linear material such as rope by tying or interweaving. It may consist of a length of one or several segments of rope, string, webbing, twine, strap, or even chain interwoven such that the line can bind to itself or to some other object—the "load"...
s and rope
Rope
A rope is a length of fibres, twisted or braided together to improve strength for pulling and connecting. It has tensile strength but is too flexible to provide compressive strength...
s due to their experience with sail
Sail
A sail is any type of surface intended to move a vessel, vehicle or rotor by being placed in a wind—in essence a propulsion wing. Sails are used in sailing.-History of sails:...
s. They communicated with one another using high-pitched whistles
Whistles
Whistles is a clothing brand with 40 stores across Britain. It was founded in the early 1980s by Lucille and Richard Lewin.In January 2008, Jane Shepherdson, former Topshop director, signed a deal to purchase a 20 per cent stake in Whistles and was appointed the job of chief executive.-Style:In the...
. Because of this, whistling was not allowed in theaters to prevent it from accidentally being interpreted as a flyrail command. It is still considered 'bad luck' to whistle in a theater.