Author Topic: CALLING: Flying actors  (Read 3177 times)

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thesteff

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CALLING: Flying actors
« on: Apr 30, 2013, 01:44 pm »
Going to be SMing Tarzan in a few months.  I have never called a show with flying actors before.  I have been backstage, but not on headset.  Any tips for calling the show?  I will be talking with the company doing the flying,  as well, but any insight/assistance would be appreciated.  Thank you!!


Edited to add title tag. - Maribeth
« Last Edit: May 06, 2013, 11:28 pm by Maribeth »
Thesteff, aka Mommie Boo!

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KMC

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Re: Flying actors
« Reply #1 on: Apr 30, 2013, 02:11 pm »
I've called a couple of shows with flying and from my experience it hasn't been a whole lot different with the added dimension in terms of actually calling the show.  You will probably have some added notes in your prompt script "Confirm Tarzan harness secured before taking cue 32", but in reality that's not a whole lot different from other "clears" you'd get on the ground. 

Like you would with fight choreography or anything notably tricky, there should be a fly captain (or similar title) to handle the aerial choreography.  You'll also want to ensure you've got a good relationship and clear lines of communication with the riggers.  Aside from the performers themselves they are the gatekeepers of flight.  If they deem the rig or situation unsafe to fly for whatever reason, you don't fly, period. 

Sounds like an exciting show - good luck!
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PSMAK

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Re: Flying actors
« Reply #2 on: Apr 30, 2013, 03:05 pm »
I'm currently doing Peter Pan right now. And in most cases, depending on the needs of the production or the theatre itself, you more than likely will not call a single flight cue. This will be due to the fact that there will be too much of a delay between your call and the operators actions, and neither might be able to keep up with each other. The flying itself is a lot like dance choreography. My flight operators are all of my Lost Boys/Pirates and I have none of them on headset at all, so I have to consistently watch what is going on, while executing lights, sound, and calling other backstage cues as well to see that everything is running smoothly!

I would also keep in mind that if anything happens (i.e. flight choreography off, collisions, etc.) that you discuss it after the performance (with flight operators and whoever is in the air) and either work on it then or when you do your flight call before the show. Which is very important!

Out of curiosity, what company is flying you? We are very pleased with ZFX!

Happy flying!

jcarey

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Re: Flying actors
« Reply #3 on: Apr 30, 2013, 06:32 pm »
This is fun to see. My college professor was the SM for Tarzan on Broadway and as part of our class we study some of his paperwork, including his calling script for the opening sequence. I can't really give any pointers from experience, but what I would say that is that is very important to know your contingency plans should (when) something goes wrong. There are many things that can go wrong when flying anything and as a stage manager it is our most important job to make sure everything is done safely and nobody gets hurt. So, that is my advice in this situation. Have your checks and balances and have a (or several) contingency plans.
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Jessie_K

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Re: Flying actors
« Reply #4 on: May 01, 2013, 08:25 am »
Timing on your stand-bys becomes even more critical.  If dealing with manual flies-- how long do they need to prep vs how long is too long to be standing-by?  If dealing with automation, how long do you leave your artist waiting at a preset.

Anytime someone is in a harness you are risking serious injury.  Flying people requires back-up plans, contingencies and rescue rehearsals.  Be sure to discuss and rehearse everything before running your show.  Practice contingencies with the crew and the artists.

While teching the show, be sure to allow into/out of harness time and harness check times for the artists.  Be very careful where you call your holds/pauses.   Sometimes it is WAY more dangerous to call a stop than to allow a move to continue.

Artists who fly get tired faster than artists that don't.  Keep communication open about when to allow a break/rest time and how many repeats of each move the artist can handle.

When in doubt if it is safe to fly someone -- DO NOT fly them.  If you are not sure it's clear-- DO NOT call your cue.

Feel free to PM me with questions if you want a more detailed answer.

dallas10086

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Re: Flying actors
« Reply #5 on: May 02, 2013, 12:26 am »
What theatre company are you doing this with?