C-clamp (stagecraft)

In stagecraft, a c-clamp can refer to a number of different pieces of hardware, depending on its intended use.

Carpentry

C-clamps are commonly used in theatrical carpentry for the same purpose that non-theatrical carpenters employ them: for creating a quick, temporary, and non-destructive way of joining two objects together. Legs are commonly attached to platforms via c-clamp before they are fastened together using a more permanent method (i.e. bolts). Multi-platform assemblies are also commonly joined to one another solely with c-clamps, especially in touring situations where a set needs to be assembled and struck quickly.

Lighting and Sound

In stage lighting and sound, a c-clamp is used to attach a larger piece of hardware, such as a lighting instrument, a speaker, or a dimmer, to a pipe or batten. Newer c-clamps tend to be constructed of aluminum, although steel is not uncommon.

C-clamps function by being bolted to the hardware they are to hold in place, such as through the yoke of a lighting instrument. The open end of the clamp is then placed over the batten, and a bolt is tightened to secure the c-clamp. C-clamps for stage lighting fixtures usually also have a pan screw, which when loosened will allow the fixture to be rotated 360 degrees without loosening the bolts securing it to the batten.

Examples

A C-Clamp manufactured by Altman Stage Lighting for use on their lighting instruments. Note the square-headed pan screw(f_*k- it nut) on the shaft of the clamp.