It's Rigged
This is the most common rigging system used in theaters today
What is the Counterweight system?
There are two methods of rope construction. One is Braided, the other is this...
What is Twisted?
When it rains, it pours! In the theater, where there's fire, this specialty curtain drops down to protect the audience.
This type of soft good is typically NOT painted.
What is a Drape?
This is the term we use to define the ultimate limit that a rope or cable will function safely.
What is Working Load Limit?
Need to add weight? Load your counterweights into this part of the counterweight system (not a holiday for trees).
What is the Arbor?
We use this material rather than hemp rope for modern counterweight systems.
What is aircraft cable?
This term is what we use to identify curtains that block the audience view of the backstage area. It's also good for Halloween.
What is Masking?
If you are sitting in the audience and you can clearly see actors backstage, goofing off, you are demonstrating this term we use in the theater. The designer should have placed a piece of scenery to block this.
What are sightlines?
We use this piece of hardware to hang scenery to the counterweight system. See what your instructor is holding...
What is a Shackle?
This rigging system was developed in North America in the mid-nineteenth century by stage hands recruited from the merchant marines.
What is the Hemp System?
Uh oh! The rope carrying the grand piano just snapped! This is an example of...
What is Breaking Limit?
This specialty curtain is often lighted to create a sky effect.
What is a Cyclorama (or Cyc)?
When the fly person is up on the loading rail and yells down, "Clear the rail," this is your response (once everyone has moved to safety).
What is "Rail Clear?"
If you see a sand bag hanging on the ropes, you are dealing with this type of rigging system.
What is a Hemp System?
When rigging lighting instruments and scenery to a batten, it is important to include this type of PPE in your wardrobe.
What is a hard hat?
We use this knot to tie together two pieces of similar rope.
What is a Square Knot?
I started as a plain piece of muslin. You painted a large sunrise image on me, and now I am hanging proudly on a batten. I am an example of this...
What is a drop?
Light me from the front, and I look solid. Light me from behind, and you can see right through me. I am this type of specialty soft good.
What is Scrim?
This rigging system utilizes a T-Track, that the arbor rides on when moving up and down.
What is counterweight system?
The Ward Theater uses TWO of this type of rigging system.
What is Hemp Line?
This common knot is used extensively to tie a drop to a batten. Don't try this on your loafers!
What is Bow Knot?
I am the first drape you see as you look at the stage. I am often the prettiest, as well.
What is the Main Curtain (Main drape, grand Drape, Main Rag..)?
This knot incorporates two loops, and when tied correctly creates a fixed loop (but it's not a noose or a necktie).
What is a Bowline?
This is the term we use to identify the steel pipe hanging in a rigging system.
What is a Batten?