There are many ways to make a stage. From sandbags to servo-motors, people have been using machinery to operate scenery on stage for more than 500 years. Surprisingly, the most common method of doing this today is not all that different than it was 100 years ago.
STAGE RIGGING BASICS
Most stage rigging is accomplished using steel counterweights, which are loaded into carriages (“arbors”) to match the weight of the scenery hanging from pipes (“battens”). This balance allows a flyperson to move the scenery with relative ease using a rope (“purchase line”). When used properly, these rigging systems enable fantastic performances and are very safe in the hands of trained operators.
Much like a see-saw, when the loads are balanced, it is easy to move from one position to another. However, many of us learned an early physics lesson on the playground when an older sibling jumped off a see-saw unexpectedly, sending us crashing to the ground. Counterweight rigging behaves similarly—if loaded improperly or used incorrectly, it can be extremely dangerous. Due to these risks, many school districts, insurance companies, and other organizations have prohibited the use of counterweight rigging by K-12 students.
In response, several companies began selling automated systems to operate scenery. These systems typically range from $15,000 to $50,000 per unit, making them cost-prohibitive for most K-12 venues. Although these machines are highly capable, they are also complex to operate. Regular servicing and maintenance are required to ensure reliability, which can be challenging for smaller districts with limited resources.
THE COUNTERMATE DIFFERENCE
CounterMate was designed specifically for K-12 theater automation. The arbors are sealed, meaning there is no counterweight to manipulate or adjust. The controls are simple and intuitive, with accurate and repeatable “spikes” (another term for a preset trim) just as if you were using spike tape on a purchase line. The least expensive models are as low as $7000, and can even run on 120V single phase power! Both the controller and electrical components can be replaced in minutes in the unlikely event of a control problem.
For new construction, a loading bridge and supporting steel is not required ($70,000 savings or more!). For additional savings, loft steel should be below 50’ to eliminate the need for a fire curtain.
In most cases, your existing rigging system can be re-used.
US PATENT 12,006,192. MULTIPLE PATENTS PENDING.
features
- HMI touchscreen control with an easy-to-use interface
- Operators are aligned directly with the set in motion
- Variable speed joystick for manual jogging
- Save and recall targets, known as “spikes,” with reliable absolute positioning
- Suitable for installation on 8” centers
- Sealed arbors eliminate the need for counterweight manipulation (witness holes verify proper installation)
- Multiple levels of control access: Use as an up/down controller or customize acceleration, deceleration, velocity, and jerk for perfect scene transitions
- Fully ADA-compliant operation
- Industry-leading safety features, including redundant braking, Safe Torque Off (STO), and onboard diagnostics
- Modular design for quick swapping of control and operator consoles
