J. R. Clancy Provides Rigging for Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Queens

When the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in New York City moves into its new, $78-million home this fall, its 800-seat concert grade auditorium will feature rigging designed and manufactured by J. R. Clancy, Inc.

The Sinatra school, a project launched in 2001 by the singer Tony Bennett, is scheduled to open its new building in Astoria, Queens, for the 2009-10 school year. The school has shared space with other educational institutions since its inception, but its 640 carefully selected students in dance, drama, fine art, instrumental music, voice, film ,and media arts now require more rehearsal and performance space than their current home can provide.

Working with theatre consultants Harvey Marshall Berling Associates in New York City and Theatrical Services and Supplies (TSSI) in Hauppauge, New York, J. R. Clancy provided 35 counterweight line sets, including three for the shell ceiling and four electrics. Two pin rails provide additional spot line rigging. Clancy's counterweight sets always feature the company's patented SureGrip Synthetic Rope, the only theatrical rope with a wear indicator that tells operators when the rope needs replacing.

In addition to the theatre, the performing arts spaces in the new school include rehearsal and practice rooms, two 2,000-sq. ft. dance studios, and a multimedia center.

"The guiding philosophy behind the creation of this building is to provide a home for the school that will better serve its students' and teachers' needs, showcase the arts, and embrace the surrounding community," notes the website for Exploring the Arts, Bennett's project to support arts education in public schools. Beyond students' use, the new Sinatra school building will "provide a new space for the many prominent artists and performers that come through New York City," the site continues.

"It's always gratifying to be involved in a project that brings students a hands-on experience in performance and in technical theatre, and being part of the Frank Sinatra High School is truly a privilege," said Tom Young, J. R. Clancy vice president of marketing. "We appreciate that TSSI chose us to provide the rigging, as we can now be involved in making certain that this system remains easy to use and safe for the students who will learn to use it-and we know that TSSI will provide the training the students need for years to come."