Print Page | Close Window

Stupid ? about wire grid floor above stage

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Set Design and Construction
Forum Discription: Post your questions or suggestions about designing or building a set here.
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4941
Printed Date: 11/24/24 at 1:33am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: Stupid ? about wire grid floor above stage
Posted By: Kim L.
Subject: Stupid ? about wire grid floor above stage
Date Posted: 1/25/11 at 7:48pm
I just visited the theatre we are renting for our show. The theatre has no fly space. However, it does have a wire grid floor above the stage that gives you access to the lights.

I went up there today and darn-near had a panic attack. Walking around on wire mesh that is bolted into a frame (which bounces when you walk) was very uncomfortable for me.

My question: how much weight can those things hold? Are they built to walk on? Do they ever come loose from their bolts?   

Better safe than sorry.

-------------
Kim



Replies:
Posted By: bmiller025
Date Posted: 1/25/11 at 10:09pm
Oh, they are designed for such uses. It is worth asking about the weight capacity to reassure yourself, but the last one that I was on could handle way more weight than I expected. The mesh is flexible because the grid is designed more for tensile strength than rigidity. If they made it more rigid, so it didn't bounce when you walked across it, it would likely have less weight capacity. They would then need to make it more dense, and that would interfere with how much light can pass through it.

Spend some time up there, and you will get used to it! I am sure you are perfectly safe. 

-------------
http://www.brianmiller.biz/BrianDesign.htm


Posted By: JoeMc
Date Posted: 1/27/11 at 9:27pm

G'day Kim

Is this something similar to your wire grid;- http://www.thecablenet.net/about_cablenet.php - http://www.thecablenet.net/about_cablenet.php
with schools they are a great  option rather than having students climbing ladders or Telescopes to set & focusing lighting.
I'm sure most techies here have experienced that floating feeling just before the sudden stop.

Unfortunately this effectively cuts out the use of a fly loft system & only allows limited fly ability. Which for students is not a bad thing as they don't tend to perform 'safe sets' & schools opt for 'idiot proofing' everything, while depriving students of valuable  experience. [litigation & insurance is a major factor of course]

As posted by Brian you will feel safer the more times you venture out on the wire.

However If the odd bolt or nut comes undone because of the type of structure I doubt very much it would be a great problem, however with the grid it offers a myriad of places to safely hold on to! Wink



-------------
[western] Gondawandaland
"Hear the light & see the sound!
TOI TOI CHOOKAS
{may you always play to a full house!}



Print Page | Close Window

Bulletin Board Software by Web Wiz Forums version 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Copyright ©2001-2006 Web Wiz Guide - http://www.webwizguide.info