In 30 Seconds
- A fly system is a mechanical apparatus used in theaters to raise, lower, and suspend scenic elements above the stage.
- Fly systems can be manual (using a counterweight system in which heavy weights balance the load on the batten) or motorized (using electric winches).
- The fly tower, or flyhouse, is the tall structure above the stage that houses the fly system.
Key Takeaways
- Foundation: Fly System (Rigging) is a core concept in the world of acting and theater that every performer and theater professional should understand.
- Key insight: A fly system is a mechanical apparatus used in theaters to raise, lower, and suspend scenic elements above the stage.
- Key insight: Fly systems can be manual (using a counterweight system in which heavy weights balance the load on the batten) or motorized (using electric winches).
- Key insight: The fly tower, or flyhouse, is the tall structure above the stage that houses the fly system.
- Key insight: For the actor, the fly system is generally “invisible” during performance — it is part of the theater’s technical infrastructure.
What Is Fly System (Rigging)?
A fly system is a mechanical apparatus used in theaters to raise, lower, and suspend scenic elements above the stage. It consists of horizontal pipes (called battens) suspended from the fly tower (or grid) by means of ropes, cables, or chains, and is used to hang backdrops, curtains, lighting rigs, scenic pieces, and any other element that needs to be flown in or out during a performance.
Fly systems can be manual (using a counterweight system in which heavy weights balance the load on the batten) or motorized (using electric winches). The battens are numbered sequentially from downstage to upstage (first batten, second batten, etc.), and this numbering serves as the standard reference in lighting plots, scenic layouts, and technical notes. Each batten has a maximum weight capacity that must be respected for safety reasons.
How Fly System (Rigging) Works in Practice
The fly tower, or flyhouse, is the tall structure above the stage that houses the fly system. It must be at least twice the height of the proscenium opening so that scenic elements can be raised completely out of the audience’s sightlines. The grid at the top of the fly tower is the framework from which all the rigging hangs.
For the actor, the fly system is generally “invisible” during performance — it is part of the theater’s technical infrastructure. However, knowing the terminology is part of professional competence: during technical rehearsals, when the director or stage manager communicates instructions involving the flies (“bring in the third batten,” “the backdrop is on the fifth batten”), the informed actor can orient themselves in the space and understand the dynamics of the production.
Why Fly System (Rigging) Matters for Actors
For the working actor, understanding fly system (rigging) is not merely academic knowledge — it is a practical necessity that directly impacts how you prepare, rehearse, and perform. Whether you are working in theater, film, television, or any form of live performance, this concept shapes the vocabulary you share with directors, designers, and fellow performers.
Actors who take the time to study and internalize concepts like fly system (rigging) find that their work becomes more specific, more communicative, and more collaborative. The language of theater is built on shared understanding, and every term you master deepens your ability to participate fully in the creative process.
Common Mistakes
Treating it as purely theoretical. Fly System (Rigging) is not just a concept to know intellectually — it must be understood in practice, through experience in rehearsal and performance.
Oversimplifying. Like most theatrical concepts, fly system (rigging) has nuances and complexities that a surface-level understanding misses. Take the time to explore it in depth.
Not connecting it to the whole. No theatrical concept exists in isolation. Fly System (Rigging) works in relationship with other elements of the craft — objectives, given circumstances, the director’s vision, and the collaborative process of the ensemble.
FAQ
Q: Why should I learn about fly system (rigging)?
A: It is part of the core vocabulary of theater. Understanding it helps you communicate with directors and colleagues, deepen your text analysis, and make more informed artistic choices.
Q: Is fly system (rigging) relevant to film acting?
A: Yes. While the concept originates in theater, its principles apply across all performance media. Film actors benefit from theatrical literacy just as theater actors benefit from understanding camera technique.
Q: Where can I learn more about fly system (rigging)?
A: Acting conservatories, university drama programs, and professional workshops all cover this topic. Reading foundational texts on acting and theater history is also highly recommended.
Q: Do I need to study fly system (rigging) formally?
A: Formal study is ideal, but self-directed learning through books, videos, and practical application in rehearsal can also be very effective. The key is to go beyond definitions and into lived understanding.
Q: How does fly system (rigging) connect to other acting concepts?
A: It is part of a web of interconnected ideas — from Stanislavski’s system to modern acting techniques. Understanding one concept deepens your understanding of all the others.
Further Reading
For deeper exploration of this topic, we recommend the following resources: