stagehouse

A stagehouse, also known as a fly tower or fly loft, is the vertical space above a proscenium stage in a theater. This area is crucial for theatrical productions as it houses the rigging system that allows scenery, lighting, and other stage elements to be raised, lowered, and moved horizontally. The stagehouse is typically a tall, enclosed structure that extends upwards from the stage floor.

The primary function of the stagehouse is to conceal the complex machinery and ropes used for flying. Counterweights, ropes, and pulleys are all managed within this space, allowing stagehands to quickly and efficiently change sets between scenes. This creates the illusion of objects appearing and disappearing magically, or moving seamlessly across the stage. The height of the stagehouse directly impacts the complexity of the flying effects that can be achieved. Larger stagehouses can accommodate more elaborate and numerous flown elements.

Access to the stagehouse is usually restricted to trained personnel due to the inherent dangers of working with heavy machinery and rigging. Catwalks and trap doors provide access to different parts of the fly system. The design and dimensions of a stagehouse are critical considerations during the architectural planning of any theater equipped for elaborate stagecraft.