Pendulum Systems
Simple single-wire
pendulum systems are the
simplest type of flying system and are often used in PETER PAN for
Peter’s flight through the window and later used by the Darling
children. They typically require only one operator per system.
For more
acrobatic pendulum flights (somersaults) we can use a two-wire
variation (commonly used in dance productions). A imple
pendulum system only requires one operator.
In order to provide
fast ascensions, pendulum systems typically do not use any mechanic
advantage. This works well for lightweight performers.
However, or
heavier
performers we typically add some variation of counterweight assist
(depending on the height of the stage). This still permits relatively
fast ascensions by the performer but often requires a second operator.
For the Washington Savoyards’ production of Iolanthe we flew a
230 lb.
performer quickly across the stage, achieving a height of approximately
12 feet, using a pendulum system with counterweight assist (See photo
on this page).
Unlike standard pendulum
systems inter-related
pendulum systems allow some control of the horizontal
movement of the performer, although not as much as with a track system.
While an inter-related pendulum system requires less hardware than a
track system, they do not work well in theatres with a low ceiling
above the stage, are also more difficult to operate than a
track system and are more limited in what they can to.
However, in some situations they can be a cost effective
alternative to a track system. Inter-related pendulum systems require
at least two operators.
Straight-lift and Spinnging Systems
Straight-lift systems
use when a performer only needs to ascend or descend vertically. They
are commonly used for angels, Jesus ascensions, ghost effects (in A Christmas Carol),
and sometimes in ballets or dance productions. There are many variation
of straight-lift system. Some straight-lift systems make use of a
theatre’s existing counterweight system, while other systems are
completely independent. Most straight-lift systems are rigged as
two-wire systems to provide stability for the performer while in
flight, and can utilize a combination of mechanical advantage to allow
for flight of considerable duration, even with heavy performers.
Straight-lift systems typically only require one operator.
Spinning systems are straight-lift systems that
allow an operator to control the direction and speed at which the
performer spins. D2Flying Effects has two types of spinning systems:
one motorized, one manual. The motorized system allows for endless
spinning effects, however, it requires a stage with at least 30 feet of
height to the steel work above the stage. Our manual spinning system
was designed for theatres without much height above sightline (only
about three feet is required). This system, however, limits the number
of
revolutions that a performer can make to 3.5. This is usually more than
enough for the Beast transformation in Beauty and the Beast
(the most popular us of spinning systems). Both of our
spinning systems require at least two operators and three might be
required for heavy performers.
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