So I had a (more expensive) revelation while at the local theater tonight working on a model train layout while some guys that work for the theater were adjusting lights for the festival this coming week. Instead of attaching lights to truss and having to crank up/down the truss each time you need to change something or focus the lights, why not build 8 foot steel bars and use a series of small motors with chain hoists to raise the lights up and down? Would make focusing the lights easier, and makes changes a lot more accessible.
There are many many hoist solutions out there. From small chain hoists with 300# capacity, to self climbing winches, other winches, including then ETC prodigy stuff. It's all about the right tool for the job. A tour would rather hang 20 motor points with a few long trusses than 80 and break their lighting up for convenience. The rigging time is not worth the benefit. Most theaters face practical considerations in the amount of space on the fly rail, 8' battens would require more arbor space and more structural steel, mule blocking to make the accommodations, etc.
It sounds from what you are describing they were bounce focusing. A good stagehand in the proper fall arrest gear on a truss to focus is usually much faster. Or do it from a lift.
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