Can We Fly Actors?

Let's face it, one of the most important aspects of any theatre production is the wow factor that can be brought into play in order to impress the audience. Special effects are as much a part of live theatre as they are in the movies, the trick is that with live productions effects are a bit harder to stage as the equipment needs to be seamless and difficult to detect.

One effect that can enhance the play in the eyes and minds of the audience as far as a production is the impression that an actor is flying during a certain point in a play. In fact you might find that for some popular plays, flying is critical to the plot (Peter Pan or its many variations, anyone?).

It is possible, and for the most part inexpensive, for a theatre company to enable their actors to fly during a production. In fact this effect was perfected a long time ago, and works using only three basic pieces of equipment.

The Harness. A harness is used to fit to the actor and allow the rigging to attach to his or her body. A custom wire harness is preferable as it will conform to the body of the actor as well as blend in with the costume; a bulkier harness will be noticeable to the audience.

Counterweights. These are used to enable the crew to hoist the actor into the air with greater ease. Weight is meant to balance the actor perfectly for an easier journey while in flight.

Pulley system. Pulley systems are what enable the entire effect to work properly. Pulleys ease the burden on crew so that any size actor can be flown with relative ease. Wire rope pulley systems are preferable as they include both the strength needed for safety and the effort to conceal crucial to audience perception.

Remember that when it comes to flying, safety should be the paramount concern of the production company. Actors have been killed by using faulty systems, so you want to make sure that all components are suited to the size of your actor and the motion that he or she will go through while in flight.