How Do You Build Light Bars For Stage Props?
Theatrical lighting instruments can be hung from just about anything that’s sturdy and stable. In the concert industry, instruments (or fixtures) are hung from trusses, and in theater, they are hung from pipes called battens. Many battens are “flown”–suspended on a rope-and-pulley system known as a “fly rig.” If the batten has a power or control (DMX) cabling system associated with it, the batten is called an “electric.” Smaller theaters often do not have these elaborate systems and the battens are attached to the ceiling, side wall or balcony rail. Making a simple batten from standard 2-inch galvanized plumbing pipe is an easy task. Buy the galvanized pipe and fittings from your local hardware or plumbing supply store. The store personnel will cut the pipe to the desired length and thread the ends for you if necessary. Assemble your tools. Lay the pipe and fittings on the floor of your work area. Screw one end of each nipple into a flange. Screw the other end of each into an elbow. T
