The Endicott Performing Arts Center is a 102 year old historic vaudeville theater that has been renovated and operates as a performing arts theater and school for the performing arts. We have worked very hard over the past 20 years and at this point, EPAC is the busiest performing arts venue in our area and an anchor in Endicott's Washington Avenue Business District.
However, one aspect of the renovation of this historic theater that has not yet been accomplished is that of the installation of theater rigging. Theater rigging also known as a fly system, or flying system is a system of lines, blocks, pulleys, and related devices within a theatre that enable a stage crew to quickly, quietly and safely fly (hoist) components such as curtains, lights, scenery, stage effects and, sometimes, people (e.g. Peter Pan). Systems are typically designed to fly components between clear view of the audience and out of view, into the large opening, fly loft, above the stage. Motorized stage rigging generally refers to "dead haul" operation where a motor lifts a load without the use of counterweights, eliminating the potential of improperly balanced sets. Automated rigging has the added benefit that it takes less space and less structural steel than a comparable counterweight rigging system. The reliability and safety of motorized rigging is incomparable to any other method of moving objects. When dealing with heavy sets, items that have multiple elements or that must be flown with speed and accuracy in complex sequences, motorized rigging and computer-based electronic controls make it possible with a wide selection of hoists.
Installation of a motorized rigging system at the EPAC Theater will greatly expand the potential uses of the theater for theatrical events, concerts, and much more. In addition, motorized rigging will greatly enhance the safety of our many volunteers who climb 40’ extension ladders in order to hang and aim lights, replace lighting instruments and bulbs currently. A motorized line set would eliminate the need to use ladders to reach our lighting bars since they could be lowered and raised from the stage floor controls.
