Spectacular performers fly with motion controls, STEM, not CGI

Manual theatrical flight with an operator on stage is a dance using a single-wire, and the operator has to know exactly what’s happening next, explained Tracy Nunnally, MFA, Northern Illinois University (NIU) professor, technical director, head of design and technology, School of Theatre and Dance. Nunnally owns Vertigo, a company that provides automation, motion control and special flying effects services to theatrical productions. He spoke in the April 17 STEM Café presentation, “Theatrical Special Effects: Engineering Spectacle.”