Types of Battens
– Electric batten
– Drapery pipe
– Clouds
– Set elements
– Storage
Electric Battens
– Incorporates electrical cables above the pipe
– Power cables for lights and DMX512 data cable for lighting control
– May also have audio cables for microphones
– Cables emerge from one end of the batten and continue through a snake
– Loaded electrics are among the heaviest types of battens
Drapery Battens
– Supports front curtains, tormentor legs, borders, or tabs
– Stage-width drapes can be very heavy, especially the front curtain
– Legs or borders are usually lighter and use less fabric
– Sewn without fullness
– Drapery pipe may weigh hundreds of pounds
Clouds
– Many theaters have built-in shells designed to reflect sound
– Shells include large folding panels
– Panels can be flown in
– Shells help to direct sound produced on stage back into the audience
– Used to enhance acoustics
Set Battens
– Elements of the set can be flown in on battens
– Flat or light set pieces can be easily flown in
– Provides flexibility in set design and changes
– Allows for quick scene transitions
– Battens are used to support and move set pieces
Storage
– Some theaters use spare battens for storage
– Spare battens store unneeded scenery or lighting instruments
– Overhead storage is generally discouraged due to hazards
– Potential danger of falling objects
– Proper storage solutions should be implemented to ensure safety Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batten_(theater)
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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.
