HEAD of FLYS

THE JOB DESCRIPTION FOR THIS POSITION WILL INCLUDE THE ENTIRE CONTENTS OF THE FOLLOWING BOOK:

Glerum, Jay O. Stage Rigging Handbook Carbondale: Southern Illinois University Press, 1987

THE READING OF THIS BOOK IS COMPULSORY FOR THE HEAD OF FLYS.

There will be a mandatory test taken by the Head of Flys and assistant before and flying or rigging may occur on the stage

The HEAD of FLYS is responsible for the safe rigging, flying, and operation of all set pieces, drapery, electrics, speakers, pipes, and any other item that is suspended over the stage or audience.

Under the unionized staffing structure, the duties of this position belong to the ASSISTANT HEAD STAGE CARPENTER

The responsibilities of the HEAD of FLYS, in addition to those of a HEAD OF DEPARTMENT, may include, but not be limited to:

GENERAL

• Understands the very high degree of safety and attention to detail required when rigging and planning to rig a production
• Works in close co-operation and communication with the TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, and the HEADS OF CARPENTRY, ELECTRICS, AUDIO, and any other departments that may be affected by this work, such as Paint and Wardrobe
• Evaluates the set and lighting design, in consultation with the TECHNICAL DIRECTOR and Resident Staff, for rigging requirements
• Creates a Fly Line Plot, if one does not exist, and checks existing plots for accuracy
• Plans the rigging and masking accordingly
• Generates inventories of stock wire and hemp rope, crimps, tools, fittings and flying hardware on hand
• Determines the appropriate methods and materials to execute the rigging, in consultation with the Resident Staff and TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
• Informs all parties, in conjunction with the TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, of changes necessary to the planned rigging well in advance of the load-in
• Arranges to obtain any additional required items and hardware after consulting with the Resident Staff
• Becomes familiar with the correct operation of the fly/rigging system
• Makes regular inspections of the fly/rigging system
• Is present during all calls on-deck involving the flys; operates all flylines during Set, Electrics and Audio set-ups; remains on the flyrail until relieved or sent on break by the TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
• Inspects nightly (pre-show) any and all flying pieces, giving special attention to equipment that will be used to bear the weight of a person
• Ensures that loads do not exceed the safe capacity of the system
• Uses correct knots for attaching and tying off loads
• Maintains visual contact with a moving piece; uses spotters when necessary
• Warns persons on stage and the grid when moving a lineset during set-up and whenever it is possible
• Maintains control of moving pieces at all times
• Follows safe working practice when loading and unloading the arbors
• Supervises and participates in the work of all Rigging Crew, ensuring that all rigging is correctly installed and safe
• Keeps an up-to-date plan of the set complete with proposed or actual rigging assignments; keeps a manifest of line sets in use, limited or blocked linesets, and free linesets; ensures that the TECHNICAL DIRECTOR is always informed of changes to the layout immediately
• Familiarizes and trains the crew with the operation of equipment, correct practice and any pertinent safety regulations
• Operates all aspects of the fly/rigging system except as delegated to other members of the production crew
• Make Sure all rigging drawing and paperwork are approved by the correct Resident Staff Member, drawings and paperwork must be approved before any work on stage can being

ADMINISTRATION AND SCHEDULING

• Contributes to the creation of a detailed WEEKLY AND DAILY SCHEDULE, produced by the PRODUCTION MANAGER
• Attends all production meetings, and organizes department meetings as required

This information is intended as a guideline only. It is not intended to replace the required reading or research in your area, or information gained in the classroom.

To be used in conjunction with the HEAD OF DEPARTMENT job description

The demands of this position, and the hours worked, will vary with each production.

THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS POSITION MAY BE ALTERED WITHOUT NOTICE BY THE RESIDENT STAFF AND FACULTY