The half fly is the area in a
theatre, normally on the opposite side from the
fly gallery, but at the same level. Depending on the
theatre, there might be
fly ropes tied off on the
fly gallery, or not. Larger
theatres may not have a half fly - there may be two
fly galleries instead.
If there aren't any
fly ropes tied off on the half fly, then it can be used for a
vantage point for anyone who needs to be able to see a certain point on the
stage. Sometimes, due to
sight lines, it may be impossible to see an area on the
stage that you need to be able to see. For example if you are firing
pyros, you need to be able to see a large area of the
stage around where the
pyro is situated (oh yeah, and when firing
pyros, don't forget to put the
key in before getting your
cue - you know who you are!)
If you're after any other theatre tech information, then do take a look at '
Everything you ever wanted to know about theatre tech, but were afraid to ask'