[SML] We need a new cyc

[David Bowman]

Hey gang,

I know it would be more pricey, but we’ve (mostly) gotten away from using a tradition muslin (or similar) cyc and now almost always just use our Rosco Twin-White RP (purchased from Rosebrand, but I don’t recall the cost) as a cyc surface.  Because it’s a Twin-White, it works for both front and rear whether it’s lighting or projections, it picks-up and transmits the light really well. We have the ability via ties on the sides, but have not found a need to stretch it in any way, other than a bottom pipe. We did find that one should remove the bottom pipe when not in use as the RP material has “fused” itself to the pipe we have in there, and we are terrified of tearing the goods, so it now has a “permanent” bottom pipe. Since it always stays in the tower, it’s not really an issue. 😊

Only downside is you for sure don’t want to fold it unless you have a ton of time to let it hang and stretch the creases/wrinkles back out.  Ours is always on a lineset in the fly tower, even if it’s not in a show…..

Dave

David M. Bowman
Master Electrician/Lighting and Projections Supervisor
Part-Time Instructor
Syracuse Stage and S.U. Drama
dmbowman at syr.edu

From: Stagecraft <stagecraft-bounces at theatrical.net> On Behalf Of George Davidson via Stagecraft
Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2021 10:58 AM
To: stagecraft <stagecraft at theatrical.net>
Cc: George Davidson <george at georgedavidson.ca>
Subject: Re: [SML] We need a new cyc

Bills Suggestion of a truss is great for a full frame, you can even look at the cheaper Global Truss I beam truss as it takes up less space

I have always had good luck with just using a bottom pipe, Rigid conduit works well as it comes in 10 ft lengths and comes pre threaded with couplers

1/2 in is usually enough, if you go too heavy the centre of the bottom of the cyc will stretch and sag, for a new cyc, you want the centre to bow up slightly so that it has somewhere to settle as the fabric stretches, if your looking for a pipe for a scrim, i prefer PVC pipe as its lighter

When picking materials, there are a few things to consider, front or rear projection, seamed or seamless and what its used for

for cyc lights, nothing catches the light like a cotton cyc, its the little threads on the surface, PVC often reflects more which may or may not be an issue, if you take your cyc down or have it on a track, PVC and Polyester tend to get fold creases, IFR fabrics are not as soft (lighting wise) but can be sharper for projections, seamed cycs are not as nice for rear projection, but some seams are invisable

George

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