Tension grid

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A tension grid is a tightly stretched grid of steel cables that create a floor safe and taut enough for technicians to walk on. Lighting instruments can be hung on a pipe grid just above the tension grid, and there is no need for holes, as the light can shine through, unobstructed, to the stage. Cables and electrical wires can pass through, and special fixtures are used to allow beams and other solid material to pass through. This style of Catwalk (theater) is popular in new and remodeled theatres. In new theatres, many designers simply have a large black box for the house, and then add a false ceiling and wall texture, leaving ample space above. This is a perfect application for a tension grid. In older, remodeled theatres, tension grids are gaining presence. They are perfect for theaters with multiple lighting ports in the plaster ceiling.