What size is typical for wire rope used in stagecraft?

In stagecraft, wire rope plays a crucial role in rigging and securing equipment, scenery, and lighting. The typical size for wire rope used in this context is 1/8 inch. This size strikes a balance between strength and flexibility, making it ideal for various applications, such as hanging lights or moving set pieces.

Wire rope of this diameter is sufficiently robust to support significant loads while being manageable and easy to handle in a live production environment. It allows for the necessary safety margins without adding excessive weight or stiffness that larger ropes would impose. Furthermore, stagecraft often involves intricate rigging and potentially quick changes, so the 1/8 inch size also accommodates the need for tighter bends around pulleys and other hardware.

Other sizes, though they may have specific uses, are generally less common for the general tasks performers and technicians encounter in stagecraft settings.