NIU to host second flying workshop
for technical theatre workers

by Mark McGowan

Sending an actor, magician or rock star airborne to soar across the stage or above an audience involves more than a handful of magic pixie dust.

Flying a human being — part of the theatre tradition since the days of the Greeks and their outdoor stages — requires knowledge of the equipment available and attention to safety.

All are topics of a four-day flying workshop taking place Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 5-8, in the O'Connell Theatre.

The workshop is sponsored by the North American Association of Flying Effects Directors. Tracy Nunnally, technical director in the NIU School of Theatre and Dance, and Delbert Hall, a professor at East Tennessee State University and owner of flying effects company Hall Associates, are co-presenters.

Nunnally has flown performers for 13 years. Hall has perfected the craft over 20 years.

"We formed eight years ago to promote the safety aspects of levitation of humans," Nunnally said. "We offer hands-on experience with the systems, familiarity with what the equipment feels like and how it operates when it's on the move."

Based on last fall's success, Nunnally expects as many as 20 people from around the United States, Canada and even Portugal to attend the workshop, from technical theatre experts hoping to hone their skills to those with no experience.

He and Hall will discuss and demonstrate various flying systems. They also will address issues concerning theatres, such as tall ceilings, short ceilings, cables vs. ropes and venues without cables or ropes.

Participants also will have the chance to rig actual systems and fly volunteer dancers.

"We come together to fly to promote safety through information," Nunnally said.

Many technical aspects of flying were closely guarded secrets of industry professionals until Nunnally and Hall began hosting workshops.

"We're the only ones who've dared to go out and invite the public in," Nunnally said. "More people are rock-climbing. More people are hang-gliding. More people are stepping out there. Well, here are the correct ways to do it. Here are the correct products."

For more information, call Nunnally at 753-9342.