Will the directors fly us?

Question

We have a somewhat tiny stage and sucky budget, but we're doing Peter Pan. Is there any way that they would let us fly with harnessess and stuff?

Answer 1

We did Peter Pan at my school two years ago.  We ended up hiring a company and doing A LOT of fund raisers so that we could fly.  We raised ticket prices too.  Even so, this year we ended up doing an off broadway play, something our school hasn't done in years, so that we could build back up our treasury.  It is very expensive to fly, and the royalities for the play are on the more expensive side, and if you are getting the updated music it is more expensive, too.  So I don't know if you will be flying or not, but these are some issues that you can keep in mind.

Answer 2

it all depends on the directors.

most of the groups i know that have done ppan have flown, but your director may be different.

if your worried they won't let you fly b/c of money then start looking up harnesses and try to find cheap ones for sale...

Answer 3

Whatever you do, don't try to do it yourself.  Flying people is something that MUST be left to the experts, as there are all sorts of problems which can arise - with a professional company, they look at your show and your theatre, design you a SAFE and workable system for your needs, install the system, train up the actors and the operators and, very importantly, do full risk assessments.  A small stage doesn't necessarily prevent people-flying, the pro companies are experts and have all sorts of ways and means of making it work.  Talk to the director (although they don't usually control budget) because we can't answer that question for you.  There are several great companies - assuming you're in the States, have a look at www.flyingbyfoy.com or www.zfxflying.com or search for "stage people flying companies" - they aren't overpriced for the expertise and knowledge that you get.  Again, because I can't emphasise it enough, DON'T TRY AND DO IT YOURSELVES as you will hurt someone.  The best example of this is when an amateur company doing "Jesus Christ Superstar" rigged their own hanging sequence for Judas' death, got it wrong, and he died.  On stage.  As part of the show.  In front of an audience. DON'T DO IT YOURSELF.