All Talent

In Broadway productions, characters like Elphaba from "Wicked" and Mary Poppins soar above the stage, captivating audiences. But it's not just performers who take to the skies; crucial elements of the scenery are also expertly lifted by a professional known as a flyperson. This role, crucial to the seamless execution of a theatrical production, involves the precise operation of the fly system—a network of ropes, pulleys, and counterweights that allow various set pieces to be "flown" in and out of the scene safely and efficiently.

Traditionally referred to as a "flyman," the nomenclature is evolving to include "flyperson" or "fly operator," reflecting a more inclusive industry landscape. An interesting example of this shift can be seen in the program for Alicia Keys' musical "Hell’s Kitchen," which credits a "flyma’am," underscoring the increasing presence and recognition of women in technical roles within the theatre community. These professionals are integral to the artistic and technical operations of theatre productions, ensuring that the dynamic visual elements of the show are executed with precision, contributing to the overall magic of the performance.

Shawn Watson, a seasoned flyman and carpenter on the first national tour of “Company”—a gender-swapped revival of the Tony Award-winning musical by Stephen Sondheim and George Furth—provides insights into the complexities of his role. As a key coordinator for the backstage operations, Watson is the primary liaison for five different departments that rely on the fly rail system. This system, which consists of a row of pins and cleats, is crucial for attaching and manoeuvring scenic elements above the stage.

In his role, Watson skillfully manages the demands of various team members, ensuring that each department's needs are met safely and efficiently. He emphasises the importance of a balanced approach to prevent overburdening the flymen and weight loaders who operate directly on the rail. Watson also adapts to the unique challenges presented by each venue, taking into consideration the available deck space to facilitate smooth coordination and movement amongst the crew. His experience highlights the critical nature of all talent roles in maintaining the seamless execution of theatrical productions, ensuring that the visual transitions on stage are both safe and effective.

Becoming a flyperson, a vital backstage role in theatrical productions, requires a unique set of skills and experiences, typically beyond the scope of traditional theatre education. Unlike other theatre professions, training specifically for a flyperson is less common as the skills overlap significantly with those of carpentry. In theatre, the Head Carpenter, who oversees the crew especially during the crucial stages of load-in and load-out when scenery is assembled and dismantled, shares similar responsibilities.

Essential skills for a Flyperson include:

1. Mathematical and Physical Understanding: A solid grasp of maths and physics is crucial. Flypersons manage complex mechanical systems that move scenery and other elements. Understanding the mechanics of how and why things move is essential for ensuring smooth and safe transitions during performances.
2. Comfort with Heights: Flypersons often work high above the stage, managing equipment and scenery. Comfort in such environments is critical to perform the duties required without hesitation.
3. Physical Strength: The role is physically demanding, involving lifting, pulling, and handling large, heavy scenic elements. Physical fitness and strength are necessary to manage these tasks efficiently and safely.
4. Collaborative Spirit: Theatre production is highly collaborative. A fly person must communicate effectively with various departments—including audio, electrics, and props—to coordinate the movement of elements both on and off the air smoothly and safely.

Shawn Watson, a flyman on the national tour of “Company,” elaborates on the intricacies of the role. He coordinates with multiple departments to manage the safe movement of heavy scenic pieces, ensuring they are moved without endangering anyone. During performances, Watson works closely with automation carpenters, swing technicians, and local crews to install or dismantle scenic elements. His role also involves syncing with other departments to coordinate their specific needs related to scenery movement. This high level of coordination and physical demand underlines the complex, yet critical nature of the flyperson’s role in theatre production.

In theatrical productions, the responsibilities of each crew member are well-defined to ensure efficiency and safety. Shawn Watson, a seasoned flyperson, exemplifies this structured environment. His primary role does not involve the physical manipulation of scenery—instead, he coordinates the actions of local crew members who handle these tasks. Watson's responsibilities include directing the local crew on when and how to move set pieces based on specific cues and ensuring that each movement is executed correctly and safely.

Additionally, theatre crews are prepared for contingencies such as injuries or illnesses. Watson highlights the role of a swing technician, a versatile crew member trained across multiple departments. This technician is akin to an understudy for crew members, ready to step in and manage different responsibilities to maintain the smooth operation of the production. Regular practice in various roles ensures that the swing technician can seamlessly integrate into any required position, thereby sustaining the production's momentum and integrity during unforeseen absences. This system of role redundancy and cross-training is critical in theatrical productions, where timing and precision are paramount.

Being a flyperson in theatrical productions requires not only technical skills but also significant mental fortitude and adaptability. Shawn Watson, a seasoned fly person, details the complexities involved when touring with productions. Each new city brings a new local crew with varying levels of experience, from veteran teams that require minimal guidance to less experienced crews needing substantial direction and oversight. Watson must quickly assess the crew's expertise and tailor his management approach accordingly, ensuring safety and efficiency, particularly during gruelling schedules like double show days followed by late-night load-outs.

The challenge is to maintain high standards of operation without compromising the safety and integrity of the scenery—pushing crews too hard can lead to mishaps or damage as fatigue sets in and motivation wanes. Watson's role involves strategizing on the fly to keep the crew engaged and precise in their tasks, a mental challenge that demands sharp problem-solving skills and psychological insight.

Outside of the demanding work schedule, Watson engages in activities that not only provide physical relief but also mental refreshment. He finds solace in hiking and dancing to electronic dance music (EDM) to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Interestingly, Watson is also an accomplished trapeze artist, a hobby that complements his professional role by enhancing his physical agility and strength. This hobby serves as both a workout and a therapeutic escape, helping him manage stress and maintain his performance during tours. Not every city has trapeze facilities, but whenever available, he takes the opportunity to indulge in this passion, which helps him stay balanced and focused.

Conclusion

The role of a flyperson is pivotal in the seamless execution of theatrical productions, where precise coordination of scenic elements is essential for the magic of live performance. Shawn Watson's insights into the complexities of this role highlight the specialised skills and adaptability required to manage various challenges across different venues and teams. The role demands not only technical prowess but also considerable mental and physical stamina, underscoring the critical need for comprehensive training and experience in the field.Ready to elevate your theatrical production? All Talent connects you with top technical talent  to ensure flawless execution of every performance. From flypersons to carpenters, find the best professionals for your project with All Talent. Visit our website or contact us today to assemble your dream team!

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