In 'Show Girl', a large crescent moon set piece used for Kylie's performer flying needed to travel downstage in descent. To ensure that the moon remained stable and did not sway as it travelled, a simple but effective mechanism was devised. BigTow winches were rigged to move simultaneously, with one used for traversing forwards and backwards, two for raising and lowering and a further two winches to provide extra stability. The precision control and complex data management involved in moving the moon along its trajectory was achieved using Visual Creator software.
As the tours moved from place to place a number of variables changed, such as the venue height, and the software parameters needed to be adjusted accordingly. Sometimes the flying height of the venue could change by as much as 4 metres, meaning much of the performance area and speeds needed to be adjusted. With shows also taking place at some venues for only one day time was of the essence. Visual Creator software was initially developed to cater for these sort of touring changes easily and rapidly and made the changes much easier for the production automation team to cope with.
Stage Technologies also provided automation for Kylie's 'Body Language' album launch and her 'X' tour (also along with The Rigging Partnership). During 'X', Kylie was lifted into the air twice during her performances - initially suspended from a golden hoop and later seated upon a giant skull. Four dancers, flown into the air at various points throughout the show, and six tracking video screens were also automated using an Acrobat control desk and PTS control as part of a 14-axis automated touring system.
More information: Kylie's X tour 2008 TPi article
