Hemp Flying

Hemp Flying

Without question this type of flying is the most simple to understand, normally 3 ropes are threaded through pulleys high overhead in the grid and then tied to a length of aluminium scaffolding bar. You hang the required scenery or lighting equipment on the bar then physically lift the weight by pulling down on the other end of the rope from the bar. Once the bar is lifted into position the rope ends are tied off to a cleat or pin rail.

There are three separate ropes used in a New Athenaeum a “hemp set”. The SHORT (nearest the flyfloor), MID (center stage) and LONG (furthest from the flyfloor). The ropes should always run through the header block in the same order from upstage to downstage to help the flyman to distinguish which rope is which and to maintain uniformity.