After 17 years of career in the European theater world as set builder, mechanic, stage manager and technical director, Jean-Claude Blaser’s career took a sharp turn upward when he decided to specialize in the technique of making actors project OVER the stage.

During preparations for Peter Pan at the Opera de Lausanne, chief mechanic Stefano Perrozzo showed him his set-up for the flying carpet and the vision took hold.

Shortly thereafter he and Xavier Thien would build an original version of the machine for Peter Pan at the Am Stram Gram Theatre in Geneva marking the birth of “Scene-Concept Sarl”.

In 2005 along with Jean Bettremieux, Jean-Claude would construct several of these unique machines (which do not use electric motors as is most often the case in large theaters today) and discover an un-met need in the entertainment world. Over time the machines have, by necessity, become ever more sophisticated through adaptation for specific productions.

A Scene-Concept apparatus is controlled by hand. An ingenious system of pulleys and counter-weights enables two technicians per performer to achieve the magical illusion of effortless flight. 

The highly resistant wires we use are specifically developed for sailing competitions. The choreography is danced by a trio. One tech is in charge of the vertical, the other handles the lateral transitions.

In this working relationship, the flying artist and his manipulators find a working symbiosis, much like a puppeteer and his puppet.  A mutual trust develops around a length of nylon wire. Each show is recorded and the choreography timed and there is little room for improvisation. At the same time, much of what we do could not be automated. Scene-Concept and Cie EnVol are all about living art.