What is a Batten in theatre?
In theatre, a Batten is a pipe hung overhead to support and fly curtains, lighting equipment, and scenery. Battens, also called bars or pipes, are made of 1.5-inch Schedule 40 steel pipe which spans the entire width of the stage. They can be either fixed or flying (able to move up and down).
Battens can also be referred to as “Line Sets” when they are part of a fly system. Line set refers to the set of cables and the counterweight system which is used to move the pipe. Line sets will be numbered starting at 1 closest to the proscenium, and going up by one number for each batten moving upstage from there.
What are Battens used for in theatre?
Battens are used as rigging points for scenery, hanging curtains, hanging lighting equipment and delivering power to them, and storing unused equipment and scenery. When used to supply power to lighting fixtures, Battens are referred to as Electrics. .
What are Battens made of?
Battens in theatre are made of 1-1/2 inch Schedule 40 Steel pipe. Schedule 40 refers to the thickness of the sidewall on the pipe, which is important in theatre since it relates to the pipes ability to hold weight without failing. Battens have a sidewall thickness of 0.145 inches, and can hold hundreds of pounds per foot. For those interested in specifics, here is a chart created by Alvin Industries for their Schedule 40 pipe to show the relative strength of each diameter of pipe. Because pipe strength can change on a per manufacturer basis, please check with your supplier for loading and safety ratios.
