Control system sets the scene for theatrical productions

摘要

Motion control of one sort or another has played an important part in theatrical productions for many years. In days of old scenery was moved by muscle and hemp rope, later sophisticated counterweight systems and water systems were used to move large pieces of scenery or heavy tabs (curtains). Inevitably, the electric motor started to become commonplace in theatre during the middle of the twentieth century. However, the speed and position control of motors was not sufficiently good (or cheap enough) to be used for scenery flying and as such counterweight systems were still common place up until the end of the twentieth century.