Rigging: The Origins Of The Origin Of Rigging

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Many people have discussed and debated the origins of theatrical rigging. The most popular opinion is that it is derived from the rigging technology used in sailing, with much evidence pointing towards this nautical origin such as the similarity in terminology and in the systems used. However, stage rigging has developed over time as the demand for more complex scenery has increased in recent years. Theatrical rigging at its most basic is a system of ropes and pulleys used to hoist a piece of scenery on or off stage, according to an article called Stage 101 on creativeplanetnetwork.com. This simple system was originally installed and operated by sailors, as the hoisting of a sail on a ship is similar to the hoisting of a scenic cloth. Furthermore, sailors were accustomed to working at height …show more content…

According to information in “On the Trail of Rigging History: 125 years of JR Clancy Catalogs” by Tom Young and Randi Minetor.”, JR Clancy was a local stagehand on “The Romany Rye” in Syracuse, New York. He could see that the rigging equipment in the Theatre at the time would not be able to withstand the usage that “The Romany Rye” required. Therefore he developed a system of heavy duty pulleys, sheaves and other systems that enabled him to raise and lower the scenery of the production. As scenery moved from scenic cloth drops to wooden portals and flats, JR Clancy released a catalog of heavy duty hardware specifically designed for theatre, such as brace hooks, cast iron sheaves, and swivel blocks. "On the Trail of Rigging History: 125 years of JR Clancy Catalogs” by Tom Young and Randi Minetor claims that JR Clancy invented the first movable head and loft blocks, allowing stagehands to change the position of a line set as the production requires

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