Nobody Looks Up: The History of the Counterweight Rigging System: 1500 to 1925
This book dives into the fascinating evolution of the counterweight rigging system, a vital part of theater production that allows for the safe and efficient movement of scenery and lights above the stage. The author, Rick Boychuk, challenges long-held beliefs about the origins of this system, revealing that it didn’t come from sailors or sea practices, as many thought. Instead, its roots are found in 17th-century European theater machinery, while earlier practices like hemp rigging were more of a side note in history.
Rick chronicles the journey of the counterweight system from its inception for a theater in Austro-Hungary in 1888 to its arrival in the United States the following year. He highlights how the Chicago scenic painting studio, Sosman & Landis, revolutionized its use to help create more painted scenery for the rapidly growing number of Masonic theaters across the country. By 1925, companies like J.R. Clancy in Syracuse, NY, played a crucial role in making counterweight rigging affordable and standard, much like Ford did with cars. This led to its widespread adoption in theaters around the world.
One of the key messages of the book is how interconnected stage machinery and theater design are. Changes in one can greatly influence the other. Today, as the industry shifts from manual operations to more automated systems, we’re left to ponder how this transition will affect theater spaces in the future.
Written for everyone involved in theater—from stagehands and designers to teachers preparing the next generation—this book is a valuable resource that sheds light on a pivotal part of theatrical history. Rick Boychuk, with over 40 years in the industry, combines his experience as a student, teacher, and technical director to share this important narrative. Whether you’re deeply knowledgeable about theater technology or just starting to explore the world of stage production, this book offers an engaging look at the history that shaped modern theater.
