direct plunger lift

In stagecraft, a direct-plunger lift is a type of hydraulically driven stage machinery used to move platforms, actors, or scenery above or below the stage floor. Unlike a hoist, which is supported from above, a direct-plunger lift is supported and guided by the stage floor or the cellar below it. This system uses a piston that operates under hydraulic pressure, expanding and collapsing to raise or lower a stage platform. Direct-plunger lifts are considered architecturally integrated machinery, meaning they are a permanent part of the theatre's structure and must adhere to building-safety codes. These lifts are most effective when designed for the specific needs of a resident company, as their permanent nature offers less flexibility for varied productions. A plunger elevator is another term for a hydraulic elevator.12