Performer Flying
The Jungle Book 2017
The Jungle Book was the Christmas show of 2017. There were 2 main performer flying sequences. The first one was a monkey to enter from SL fly in to centerstage and take Mowgli out to SL. The second was for Kaa the snake to enter centerstage on aerial silks. In consultation with Aerial Edge
Click here [1] to see the first (mini) test video of the Flying Monkey track system.
The performer flying gear was set up on a table in the SL wing. We used a setting list to ensure everything was in place pre-show.
We had a particular check list for the performer flying in addition to the pre-show check list. One of these was filled out and signed every day. The completed lists were kept in the TSM Master folder. The checks in the morning took roughly 20-30 minutes to complete. The checks were done and hour before the hour call in order to leave room to fix any issues that may arise. 50 kg in the form of stage weights were put on each line every morning and we ran the flying monkey sequence from beginning to end.
As part of the pre-show checks we needed to check the rigging of the automation. In order to keep the checklist concise this document with a detailed explanation of each element of the termination on the automation line. This and all paperwork was kept printed in a folder on the TSM table in the SL wing. This also included a copy of every crew members running list, so theoretically someone could run the show off that folder. A TSM prompt copy if you will.
Along the same line of the Automation Rigging Document, a document explaining the elements and maintenance of the harnesses should let someone perform harness checks after reading this document.
The harness checks were done daily and there was also a reminder for fitting the harness on the performer. The performers became very comfortable with putting the harnesses on. By the time it got to shows it was a matter if handing the performer the harness in the correct orientation. The performer would then go and get the harness ready. The TSM or DTSM would hold each side connection point on the performers hips. There would be a verbal check that the performer is comfortable with the placement of the connection point. The performer would then tighten the legs and the TSM or DTSM would tighten the front webbing and perform all checks specified on the harness check lists.