Our Creed - Georgia Stage

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rIGGING
Rigging
There are many different types of rigging to suit a variety of needs. Below is a brief description of the most commonly used systems.
Single Purchase
Single Purchase is used where the travel of the arbor is equal to the
travel of the batten, both come to the floor.
Double Purchase
Double Purchase is used where the travel of the arbor is half the
travel of the batten, only the batten comes to the floor.
Upright Rigging
Upright Rigging is where a metal grid supports the rigging. The grid
is approximately 6’ below the roof. Technicians can walk on the grid
to do spot line rigging and inspect the system.
Underhung Rigging
Underhung Rigging is where the steel that commonly holds up the
roof also supports the rigging system. It may or may not have a
walk on grid.
Lineshaft Rigging
Lineshaft Rigging is where a motor turns a shaft that has a series of
take-up spools on it that lifts cables that are connected to the batten.
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Counterweight Rigging
Counterweight or “Fly” Systems have been around for more than
100 years. A simple counterweight system is based on the principle
of a balanced set of weights that allow a person to raise and lower
curtains, sets or lights with minimal effort. A system is made up of
one or more sets. Each set is a collection of a pipe batten
suspended from lifting cables that pass over loft blocks, then over to
the head block on one side of the stage and then down to the
counterweight arbor. By adding the appropriate amount of weight
onto the arbor, a stagehand can offset the weight of the curtain, set
or lighting attached to the pipe batten. Once balanced, the pipe can
be raised or lowered by pulling on the hand line.