11

Generally, in some indoor stadiums or arenas or theaters, if you will...there is a walkable space in the roof or the area directly above the stage...from which many technical activities are performed...

| improve this question | |
21

The general term you might refer to is Catwalk, but there must be a specific term for stage.

| improve this answer | |
  • If it is directly above the stage as part of the production set, it might be scaffolding, but catwalk is what I had in mind as well. – jxh Dec 4 '14 at 3:10
  • 5
    Catwalk (ktwôk) n. A narrow, often elevated walkway, as on the sides of a bridge or in the flies above a theater stage. TFD – Mazura Dec 4 '14 at 3:18
  • 2
    A photo from a good angle: austinchronicle.com/binary/5050/arts_feature99-6.jpg – ermanen Dec 4 '14 at 3:45
  • 1
    I've always heard catwalk for the theater. – Chris Sunami supports Monica Dec 4 '14 at 16:45
  • 1
    And here was I thinking a catwalk was just the runway that fashion models prance up and down! Never knew it meant anything else (apparently it's also a similar structure on a whaling boat). Learn summat new ev’ry day! – Janus Bahs Jacquet Dec 4 '14 at 17:37
11

Above the stage is the Rope Loft or Fly Loft. To day it's usually referred to as The Grid. The working/walking areas are usually referred to as The Bridge. If you say "Up on the grid" riggers and techs will know what you're talking about.

Also see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fly_system

| improve this answer | |
  • 3
    +1 When I was active in theatre ('65-'95 in the US) the grid was specifically the system of cris-crossing beams from which scenic and lighting elements were suspended; the area above that, where people worked, was the flies--you might say someone was working on the grid or in the flies. A catwalk was a section of the grid boarded over to make work and movement less precarious. – StoneyB on hiatus Dec 4 '14 at 14:44
3

I would refer to such a platform as a "gantry".

A bridge-like overhead structure with a platform supporting equipment such as a crane, signals, or cameras:

"the TV cameras on gantries alongside the 17th and 18th holes"

| improve this answer | |
  • A gantry is just a frame that things are mounted on: it's not necessarily walkable. – David Richerby Dec 4 '14 at 14:29
  • Not necessarily, I agree. But they can be. – Ste Dec 4 '14 at 16:01
0

Castles and cathedrals have “allures/alurs/alures” aka “wall-walks” around their perimeters near/at/above roof-level to facilitate foot-traffic and movement of weapons/equipment. While they wouldn’t apply to theaters/stages and are perhaps not designed for modern technical activities, stadiums and arenas probably have similar elevated walkable ways around their perimeters.

| improve this answer | |

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.