3 Ways Broadway Flying Effects Show Elements Besides Flight

Broadway has evolved far beyond just the stage. For years, Broadway special effects workers have transformed the stage with flying effects that take performers into the air. Naturally, the seamless flying effects can show characters who actually fly, like Peter Pan, but the effects also create other effects on the stage.

Check out some of the unique ways Broadway performers and choreographers have used flight effects through the years. When you understand the effects they use, you can really enjoy the shows even more and pick ones that use specific effects.

1. Swimming

Broadway plays that take place in or near the water can use flying effects to showcase swimming. One of the prime examples comes from Disney's Broadway adaptation of The Little Mermaid. In the show, characters like Ariel and Ursula use flying effects to simulate swimming in the ocean.

The flying effects help make the stage come alive and add a lot of layers to the performances and dancing. The characters who "swim" up in the sky can become the main focal point while dancers perform beneath them.

2. Superhero Stunts

Superheroes and Broadway have been mixing for years. While some superheroes can fly across the stage, others have powers that may not include flying but can emulate similar actions with flying effects. For example, a character may use spider webs or ropes to swing and glide across the stage. The seamless effects make the superpowers seem real.

The flying effects can also showcase superhero battles. For example, a villain may attack a hero and send them flying across the stage. The flying effects make the attacks look more dramatic and showcase the true powers of a villain.

3. Ghosts

There is a key difference between flying and floating. When a stage production uses ghosts, the audience should see the subtle differences and help make the ghost more believable. One example of this comes from the stage classic A Christmas Carol. Instead of just standing on the ground, the ghosts hover on the stage and make the characters appear more realistic.

The flying effects also help a ghost move across areas. Instead of an actor walking, the gliding motions will make the ghosts seem more authentic. In some cases, multiple ghosts can appear on stage at the same time and fly across different areas to create a dynamic effect.

Do some research to find out more about flying effects on the stage and pioneers in the industry—such as The Fly Guy.


Share