Technical Design Solutions for Theatre

Flying Drops in Limited Space

Bruce W. Bacon

 

Figure 1 illustrates a drop roller that operates much like a window shade and can be used to fly a full-stage drop in 18″ of masked fly space. The system’s advantages over conventional “olio” drop rollers are that control is achieved using a single rope, and both the roller and control ropes remain masked at the top when the drop is in its playing position. Although this procedure assumes the theater is equipped with a fly system, the roller can be adapted for use where rigged battens are not available.

FIGURE 1 FULLY RIGGED DROP IN ROLLED POSITION

MATERIALS

One length of 5″ schedule 10 aluminum ...