rec.arts.theatre.stagecraft

On Sat, 22 Sep 2007 23:26:51 +0100, wrote:

> For a rapidly approaching show, I am looking to build an inverted roll
> drop. I won't have any fly space and I need to fly a 23'-0" x 42'-0"
> scrim. If anyone has already done this, I would rather NOT re-invent
> the wheel. As usual, there is little time and less money.
>
> Any ideas, other than "cut it"?
>
> tia
>
> Michael S. Drury


Neatest solution I've managed is 4 single pulleys & two climbing pulleys.
Tie the scrim to a scaff tube at the top & insert a 25mm/1" conduit in the
bottom
Rig the climbing pulley at the operating end & the single pulleys equally
spaced across the top of the scrim. tie black nylon braid offstage
of the climbing pulley, thread it through the second climbing pulley,
across through a single pulley, down to the stage floor, uder the conduit,
back up to the bar & tie off. Repeat for the next 3 single pulleys & the
climbing pulley.
Tie a length of rope to the climbing pulley that's hanging on the 5 lines.
When you pull on the rope the scrim will roll around the conduit &
disappear upwards.
When you let it in you have to stop smoothly or it will double back on
itself, but a little practice will make this obvious.