Definition

Noun 1. The space above a theater stage: In a theater, "flies" refers to the area directly above the stage, hidden from the audience's view, which is used to store scenery, backdrops, and lighting equipment that can be lowered ("flown in") or raised ("flown out") during a performance.

Usage

This is a specialized theatrical term. It is almost always used in the plural form "flies" and typically appears in contexts discussing stage design, theater production, or technical theater.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The stagehand worked in the flies, managing the ropes for the backdrops.
  • The new scenery was waiting in the flies, ready to be lowered for the second act.
  • Modern theaters use sophisticated counterweight systems to operate equipment in the flies safely.

Advanced Usage

• "To fly" (verb, theatrical): The related verb "to fly" means to raise or lower scenery or equipment using the system in the flies.
  • They will fly the painted backdrop in during the scene change.
• "Fly gallery": A narrow walkway or platform located at the side of the stage, level with the flies, from which stagehands operate the flying system.
• "Fly tower" or "fly loft": The tall, open space above the stage that contains the flies and the rigging systems.

Variants and Related Words

• Fly (noun, theatrical): Can be used as a singular form, though less common, to refer to a single piece of scenery or a single line/rope in the flying system.
  • Check the condition of that fly before the show.
• Flying system (noun): The complete collection of rigging, pulleys, counterweights, and battens used to move items in the flies.

Synonyms

• Fly loft
• Fly space
• Overhead space (general, non-theatrical term for a similar area)

Related Phrases

• In the flies: A phrase meaning located or happening in the fly space.
  • The sound of the pulley came from somewhere in the flies.
• To work the flies: To have the job of operating the flying system.
  • She has years of experience working the flies for major productions.

Noun

1. (theater) the space over the stage (out of view of the audience) used to store scenery (drop curtains)