Beloit Memorial High School Theatre
What is a “fly system”
and why is “stage rigging” necessary?
Larger stages, such as the one at Beloit Memorial High School, are
equipped with a system of thirty long pipes which are wider than the
stage opening and run parallel to that opening, going all the way to
the backstage wall. A system of pulleys, wire cables and operating
ropes raise and lower scenery, lighting equipment and acoustical panels
into an area fifty feet above the stage. When a curtain, backdrop, or
piece of scenery is not needed as part of the action, it can be
manually raised out of view by this balanced counterweight system,
Cast iron weights can be added or taken off in order to balance the
load on the scenery pipe.
When the system works, it allows for a great deal of flexibility in set
design, and makes scene changes very efficient, freeing up valuable
floor space on the stage floor. Without these pipes and pulleys, there
is nothing available on which to hang any curtains or lights. You
simply have a large stage space which becomes an empty dark box,
completely useless for any type of performance or activity.
The acoustic ceiling pieces that normally hang in the loft are
essential for any musical performances on a stage. If these “shells”
are not opened and in place for a concert, all of the sound goes
straight up above the stage and is not directed into the audience. The
performers cannot hear each other, and the audience can’t hear the
music, making the entire musical effort pointless and absolutely
aesthetically unacceptable. In addition, since there are no lights
hanging over them, the performers can’t read their music or see the
conductor.
New Rigging Installed!
In 2005, we removed all the faulty stage
rigging and replaced the 3 electric pipes. In December, 2006, the 2-year
campaign to replace the rigging comes to a finale as workers diligently install
the new fly system.
Memorial’s theatre, which has a seating capacity of 1159, is rented by
numerous community groups for performances during the year. The School
District also brings in students from all the elementary schools every
year for performances by Opera For the Young and the Beloit-Janesville
Symphony. The theatre’s excellent reputation for quality theatrical
productions is known statewide. Please assist in one of the many
fund-raising opportunities now being put in place by the newly formed
PAPAS organization (Parent Advocates for the Performing Arts in Our
Schools.)
Click here to view the Illustrated Rigging Inspection
New: Pictures of rigging