Batten (theater)

In theaters, a batten (also known as a bar or pipe) is a long metal pipe suspended above the stage or audience from which lighting fixtures, theatrical scenery, and theater drapes and stage curtains may be hung. Battens that are located above a stage can usually be lowered to the stage (flown in) or raised into a fly tower above the stage (flown out) by a fly system.

A simple Electric batten with two instruments (a Source Four PAR and a scoop).

Types

A view of an electric batten with scoops, fresnels, PARNels, elipsoidals and a Source Four

Electric

An electric is a batten that incorporates electrical cables above the pipe, often enclosed in a raceway. It typically has power cables for lights and DMX512 data cable for lighting control, and may also have audio cables for microphones. The cables emerge from one end of the batten and continue through a snake to dimmers, control boards, or patchbays. All cable plugs have identifying numbers printed on them so that they can be easily referenced by the lighting control system. Loaded electrics are among the heaviest types of battens, often weighing more than a thousand pounds.

Electrics will often employ large loops of spring steel that extend outward to prevent adjacent battens from colliding with and damaging the lighting instruments. Electrics generally have an established trim height (a reference for standard height) so that focusing is consistent. In some theaters, especially where battens are close together, a heat-resistant fabric is attached to the front of the electric to prevent heat from the lighting instruments from damaging nearby flown objects.

Drapery

A drapery pipe may support front curtains (such as travelers), tormentor legs, borders, or tabs. Stage-width drapes can be very heavy, weighing hundreds of pounds, especially the front curtain. Legs or borders are usually lighter as they may use less fabric and are not usually very thick and sewn without fullness.

Clouds

Many theaters have built in shells designed to reflect sound produced on stage back into the audience. These shells often include large folding panels which can be flown in.

Set

Elements of the set which are relatively flat or light can be flown in on battens.

Storage

Some theatres use spare battens to store unneeded scenery or lighting instruments. This practice is generally discouraged due to the hazard created by overhead storage.

Alternatives

Some theaters do not employ this system, and instead use a static network of pipes accessible from catwalks above the stage. This is sometime considered a safer approach, as there is less chance of pipe accidentally "running" in or out, but it forces electricians, riggers, and audio engineers to carry equipment or scenery to the pipes via ladders, lifts, or ropes.

References

Holloway, John (2010). Illustrated Theatre Production Guide. Burlington, MA: Elsevier Science & Technology. ISBN 978-0-240-81204-5. Retrieved 11 April 2011.

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