Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board: Firecracker

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SpazzingSM
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Joined: 8/03/04
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Topic: Firecracker
Posted: 8/02/06 at 10:14am

HI everyone,

I am currently working on a production of The Music Man, and we're trying to tackle the firecracker dilemma. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what we could do/make to create a realistic firecracker effect.

Thanks :-)

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Linda S
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Posted: 8/02/06 at 1:18pm

I solved the problem by using a sound effect and putting a light and smoke machine under the gazebo/bandstand where Eulalie was standing. Tommy threw the firecracker under the bandstand with coordinated lights, smoke, kaboom!, and a scream from Eulalie and all worked well.

Linda

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SpazzingSM
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Posted: 8/04/06 at 1:51pm

Thanks for your reply, unfortunately our blocking and set does not allow for that... any other suggestions?

"Imagination is more important than knowledge" ~Einstein

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POB14
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Posted: 8/04/06 at 3:45pm

If you've got somebody who really knows and is licensed to do pyro, you could do a flashpot with an offstage sound effect.

Warning: Do NOT do pyro without an experienced, licensed pyro operator.

In case that's not clear: DO NOT DO PYRO WITHOUT AN EXPERIENCED, LICENSED PYRO OPERATOR.

Let me put that another way:

DO NOT DO PYRO WITHOUT AN EXPERIENCED, LICENSED PYRO OPERATOR.

POB
Old Bugger, Curmudgeon, and Antisocial B**tard

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Shatcher
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Posted: 8/04/06 at 5:08pm

I don't remember what they are called but isn't there some kind of cap that makes a loud bang when thrown to the ground?

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castMe
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Posted: 8/04/06 at 5:12pm

Yes, Shatcher. They are small bits of wadded paper wrapped around a small bit of (think cap gun) exploding charge. In my town they're available at the novelty store. Perhaps if the noise isn't loud enough you could ste a microphone nearby to amplify the sound.

I can't recall what they're called.

Hey, maybe you could use a cap gun or a starters gun. Sure is safer then full-on pyrotechnics.

Investigate. Imagine. Choose.

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Topper
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Posted: 8/04/06 at 6:56pm

The sound effect can be created with a simple device called a "slap-stick!"

Basically, it's a flat board (1" x 6" works well) approx 4 feet in length. At "standby" the operator stands with one foot on the end of the board and pulls up the other end with his fingers (or, for greater protection, a sturdy cord attached to that end of the board).

This flexes the board and creates tension (like a bow & arrow). On cue, the operator simply releases his hand-grip on the board, keeping his foot in place. The board will SLAP the ground with a mighty BANG.

This should be loud enough to be done offstage left or right, behind the upstage scrim or (if your blocking allows) somewhere inconspicuous onstage, preferably near your victim. I guarantee they won't have to "act" surprised.

For a non-pyro-technic puff of smoke, fill a small funnel with either talcum powder or corn starch. Run a flexible tube from the funnel's end to an offstage (or out-of-sight) operator.

The actor (instead of throwing the firecracker) deliberatly places the firecracker in front of the funnel (which is pre-set and either hidden from view or painted to blend with the set).

At "standby" the offstage operator inhales deeply (Be sure he DOESN'T have his mouth on the tube at that time. He'll learn fast). On cue, the operator blows mightily into the flexible tube, releasing a blast of powder.

Couple these 2 effects together and you'll have the audience convinced.

"None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone

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castMe
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Posted: 8/04/06 at 6:58pm

Cripes, Topper, of course, a slap stick.

An elegant, simple, time-worn theater tradition.

Investigate. Imagine. Choose.

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JoeMc
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Posted: 8/04/06 at 8:50pm

Besides Toppers [Punch 'n Judy] Slap stick, Which work very well!
What I can remember of a ?penny banger? going off, there was little if any smoke, just the bang!
But what would help with the novelty squib, would be to set it off in a metal rubbish bin. Which will amplify the sound, similar to that of a penny banger going off in a letter box, on ?Guy Fawkes [a.k.a John Johnson] Night?.
frankly there was more smoke just lighting the fuse then when the penny banger exploded.
Go with the recorded audio effect as it is more likely to work every time on cue!

[western] Gondawandaland
"Hear the light & see the sound!
TOI TOI CHOOKAS
{may you always play to a full house!}

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Topper
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Posted: 8/05/06 at 3:41pm

SAFETY NOTE:

When using corn starch, be sure to keep it away from an open flame. Corn starch can be flammable when blown into dust. My 9th-grade science teacher demonstrated this when describing how a grain elevator explosion occurs.

He used the funnel with the flexible tubing and ran the tube through a punched hole in the bottom of an empty coffee can. The tube ran through the table top and several feet away. Next to the funnel, inside the can, he placed a lit candle and then replaced the plastic lid on top of the can.

While he was safely at a distance, he encouraged the class to gather around the coffee can and "watch closely." He blew into the tube, scattering the corn starch within the confines of the coffee can. The candle immediately ignited the dust, blowing the lid off the can and sending up an impressive fireball which quickly dissipated before it hit the ceiling.

That's why I remember the story so vividly. It left quite an impression on the entire class. As did my teacher's sadistic laughter at the horrified expressions on our faces.

Talcum powder is the safer option.

"None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone

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Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup
Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board :Producing Theater :Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup

Author	Message
SpazzingSM Player Joined: 8/03/04 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 0	Topic: Firecracker Posted: 8/02/06 at 10:14am
	HI everyone, I am currently working on a production of The Music Man, and we're trying to tackle the firecracker dilemma. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what we could do/make to create a realistic firecracker effect. Thanks :-)

	IP Logged

Linda S Celebrity Joined: 4/16/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 312	Posted: 8/02/06 at 1:18pm
	I solved the problem by using a sound effect and putting a light and smoke machine under the gazebo/bandstand where Eulalie was standing. Tommy threw the firecracker under the bandstand with coordinated lights, smoke, kaboom!, and a scream from Eulalie and all worked well. Linda
	IP Logged

SpazzingSM Player Joined: 8/03/04 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 0	Posted: 8/04/06 at 1:51pm
	Thanks for your reply, unfortunately our blocking and set does not allow for that... any other suggestions?
	"Imagination is more important than knowledge" ~Einstein
	IP Logged

POB14 Celebrity Joined: 7/01/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 349	Posted: 8/04/06 at 3:45pm
	If you've got somebody who really knows and is licensed to do pyro, you could do a flashpot with an offstage sound effect. Warning: Do NOT do pyro without an experienced, licensed pyro operator. In case that's not clear: DO NOT DO PYRO WITHOUT AN EXPERIENCED, LICENSED PYRO OPERATOR. Let me put that another way: DO NOT DO PYRO WITHOUT AN EXPERIENCED, LICENSED PYRO OPERATOR.
	POB Old Bugger, Curmudgeon, and Antisocial B**tard
	IP Logged

Shatcher Celebrity Joined: 2/21/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 251	Posted: 8/04/06 at 5:08pm
	I don't remember what they are called but isn't there some kind of cap that makes a loud bang when thrown to the ground?
	IP Logged

castMe Celebrity Joined: 11/02/05 Online Status: Offline Posts: 206	Posted: 8/04/06 at 5:12pm
	Yes, Shatcher. They are small bits of wadded paper wrapped around a small bit of (think cap gun) exploding charge. In my town they're available at the novelty store. Perhaps if the noise isn't loud enough you could ste a microphone nearby to amplify the sound. I can't recall what they're called. Hey, maybe you could use a cap gun or a starters gun. Sure is safer then full-on pyrotechnics.
	Investigate. Imagine. Choose.
	IP Logged

Topper Celebrity Joined: 1/27/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 543	Posted: 8/04/06 at 6:56pm
	The sound effect can be created with a simple device called a "slap-stick!" Basically, it's a flat board (1" x 6" works well) approx 4 feet in length. At "standby" the operator stands with one foot on the end of the board and pulls up the other end with his fingers (or, for greater protection, a sturdy cord attached to that end of the board). This flexes the board and creates tension (like a bow & arrow). On cue, the operator simply releases his hand-grip on the board, keeping his foot in place. The board will SLAP the ground with a mighty BANG. This should be loud enough to be done offstage left or right, behind the upstage scrim or (if your blocking allows) somewhere inconspicuous onstage, preferably near your victim. I guarantee they won't have to "act" surprised. For a non-pyro-technic puff of smoke, fill a small funnel with either talcum powder or corn starch. Run a flexible tube from the funnel's end to an offstage (or out-of-sight) operator. The actor (instead of throwing the firecracker) deliberatly places the firecracker in front of the funnel (which is pre-set and either hidden from view or painted to blend with the set). At "standby" the offstage operator inhales deeply (Be sure he DOESN'T have his mouth on the tube at that time. He'll learn fast). On cue, the operator blows mightily into the flexible tube, releasing a blast of powder. Couple these 2 effects together and you'll have the audience convinced.
	"None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone
	IP Logged

castMe Celebrity Joined: 11/02/05 Online Status: Offline Posts: 206	Posted: 8/04/06 at 6:58pm
	Cripes, Topper, of course, a slap stick. An elegant, simple, time-worn theater tradition.
	Investigate. Imagine. Choose.
	IP Logged

JoeMc Celebrity Joined: 3/13/06 Location: Australia Online Status: Offline Posts: 832	Posted: 8/04/06 at 8:50pm
	Besides Toppers [Punch 'n Judy] Slap stick, Which work very well! What I can remember of a ?penny banger? going off, there was little if any smoke, just the bang! But what would help with the novelty squib, would be to set it off in a metal rubbish bin. Which will amplify the sound, similar to that of a penny banger going off in a letter box, on ?Guy Fawkes [a.k.a John Johnson] Night?. frankly there was more smoke just lighting the fuse then when the penny banger exploded. Go with the recorded audio effect as it is more likely to work every time on cue!
	[western] Gondawandaland "Hear the light & see the sound! TOI TOI CHOOKAS {may you always play to a full house!}
	IP Logged

Topper Celebrity Joined: 1/27/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 543	Posted: 8/05/06 at 3:41pm
	SAFETY NOTE: When using corn starch, be sure to keep it away from an open flame. Corn starch can be flammable when blown into dust. My 9th-grade science teacher demonstrated this when describing how a grain elevator explosion occurs. He used the funnel with the flexible tubing and ran the tube through a punched hole in the bottom of an empty coffee can. The tube ran through the table top and several feet away. Next to the funnel, inside the can, he placed a lit candle and then replaced the plastic lid on top of the can. While he was safely at a distance, he encouraged the class to gather around the coffee can and "watch closely." He blew into the tube, scattering the corn starch within the confines of the coffee can. The candle immediately ignited the dust, blowing the lid off the can and sending up an impressive fireball which quickly dissipated before it hit the ceiling. That's why I remember the story so vividly. It left quite an impression on the entire class. As did my teacher's sadistic laughter at the horrified expressions on our faces. Talcum powder is the safer option.
	"None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone
	IP Logged

Topic: Firecracker( Topic Closed)
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