Genie Trap

This is how the genie trap was put in place for Aladdin Panto 2011

The first thing that was done as part of the panto fit up was to lower the genie trap into place. The first that needed done was to find where the center point of the genie trap slider would be on stage, and make a bridal on the grid above this point. We made this using beam clamps and clutch chains. A shackle was then attached to the hook of the chain hoist and a rope dropped down to lift it up and attach to the point on the bridal.

Four slings were wrapped around the lid of the genie trap as this needed to be lifted on top of the genie trap mechanism and bolted on before it was lowered into the pit.

Once the lid was bolted on, ropes were attached to the genie trap to help guide it and the chain hoist (operated from the tallescope) was used to lift the genie trap off the ground slightly. On the first attempt at lowering it down, only one piece of staging was removed, which at the time seemed enough, but whilst lowering it we found that the trap had to be moved up and down stage to fit in; so the genie trap was lifted out again and another piece was taken out.

Just before getting it into its final position, packers needed placed between the beams in the stage and the trap to make it level with the stage. In the pit, a piece of 8by4 steel deck was placed underneath it with small screw jacks, to be able to change the height of the legs so the genie trap wasn't just floating in the pit.

Operating Genie Trap

Before operating the trap, unsure that the slider handle lock pin is in, the trap riser brake is on, the correct weight is added and the Perspex sheeting is in place. Have a spotter on the deck to ensure safety and the prop (length of box metal) on standby.

For Raising a Performer

- Once all of the above has been checked, allow performer on to the platform.

- Release locking pin from slider handle

- Once the green light has gone, turn the slider handle 3 ½ times, and release brake on the riser.

- Wait until the slider is fully open and pull down on the rope until the riser is level with the stage. Apply brake as soon as possible.

- Check locking pin is in the slider handle.

- Place prop between the floor and the top of the trap.

For Lowering a Performer

- Remove prop.

- Once all of the above has been checked, allow performer on to the platform.

- Wait until green light has gone (spotter and DSM are happy)

- Release locking pin on slider handle. Release brake on riser and pull rope up. Crew member on the entrance of the trap can assist by pulling the platform down, and then making sure performer stays on platform until brake is applied.

- Turn slider handle 3 ½ quickly with force until slider is in place.

- Check locking pin is in the slider handle.