UW-Madison Job Description-- Fly Crew

The Fly Crew is responsible for all scenic units flown during a

performance. The crew works under the direction of the Master Flyman (MF)

and is responsible for moving existing linesets, the installation of new

linesets and the coordination and installation of all flown scenic,

lighting and audio units.

Duties during Load In Period:

1.Familiarize yourself with the script and production concept.

2.Learn safe methods of rigging and running lines. You will be

given instruction by the MF at your first meeting.

3.Prepare the grid and fly equipment.

· NOTE: No overhead rigging

work is to be done during times that the stage is occupied by

others. If it is necessary to modify overhead rigging during a

call involving others, the affected deck area shall be cleared of

all personnel and cordoned with warning signs.

4.Hang all lighting equipment and flown scenic units prior to the

load in of deck pieces.

· CAUTION: Check to make certain that flown units are properly

·counterweighted before running operating lines full distance.

Duties during Technical, Dress Rehearsal and Performance Period:

Sign in at the designated time, usually one hour prior to opening

the house (20 minutes before curtain), or rehearsal start.

UW- Madison Job Description: Master Flyman

The Master Flyman (MF) is responsible for all scenic units flown during a performance. The MF supervises a crew responsible for for moving existing linesets, the installation of of new linesets and the coordination and installation of all flown scenic, lighting and audio units. The size of the fly crew is determined by the demands of the most complicated flying shift of the production.

Duties during the planning period:

Note : All preparations must be made prior to load in.

1. Read the script and become familiar with the production concept.

2. Establish a list of the required tasks and a timetable to complete them at a meeting with the TD. At this time

you will receive a list of everything to be flown

· Drops

· Drapes

· Back walls

· Set walls

· Cycloramas

· Masking units

· Ceilings

· Electric pipes

This meeting is held a minimum of two weeks prior to load in

3. Verify that the needed linesets as shown by the designer's ground plan are free or can be freed for use.

4. Mark up a scaled ground plan showing the scenery to be flown; verify that a lineset number has been

assigned to each piece.

5.Determine the sequence in which units should be rigged and flown at a meeting with the TD, Deck carpenter

and Head electrician. Compile this information in writing ; provide copies to the others.

6. Establish call times for members of the fly (rigging) crew at the meeting above; notify the crew 2 -3 weeks

in advance of the first call.

Duties during the load-in Period:

1. Train all members of the rigging(fly) crew in the safe practice of running lines and installing equipment at

the first session.

2. Direct the flycrew in preparing the grid and fly equipment for Load-in:

· Note: No overhead rigging is to be done during times that the stage is occupied by others. If it is necessary to modify overhead rigging during a call involving others, the affected deck area shall be cleared of all personnel and cordoned with warning signs.

3. Hang all lighting equipment and flown scenic units prior to the load-in of deck pieces

4. Label all linesets on the rail, ready for identification.

5. Caution: check to make certain that flown units are properly counterweighted before running operating lines

full distance.

Duties during Technical, Dress rehearsal and Performance period:

1.Sign-in at the designated time: usually one hour prior to the start of rehearsal or opening the house (20 mins

to curtain)

2.Verify that the linesets you control are in balance and that none

are fouled before each rehearsal and performance . To do this

bring each lineset into the performance position (in trim) and

return it to the storage position (out trim). CHECK THAT TRIM

MARKS ARE WHERE THEY OUGHT TO BE. DO NOT DELEGATE ANY OF THIS

RESPONSIBILITY.

3.Follow the directions of the MF and Stage Manager (SM). The SM

will explain how cues are to be taken; wait for the SM to signal

before lifting or lowering anything. In raising a flown piece,

verify that furniture or properties are not fouling it; in

lowering a piece, verify that no person or object is below it.

Duties during Cleanup Period:

1.During the strike, the Fly Crew is responsible for clearing pipes

of all flown units, except units that are to be stored. Restore

all empty linesets to pipeweight.

2.Undo any special show rigging or modifications such as moved line

sets, dead hung units, etc. Remove spare or loose equipment from

the grid; return it to the grid storage box.

3.Follow the directions of the TD during strike. Assist other

departments, as directed. One crew is not finished until

everyone is finished.

Line of Responsibility:

1.Your immediate supervisor is the Master Flyman, followed by the

Rigging TA

1-02