Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board: Self Starting Fireplace

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Sweeney
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Topic: Self Starting Fireplace
Posted: 3/13/08 at 11:48am

Need your help gang. We are in need of a self starting fireplace. Yes- with real flames igniting. Any suggestions on how to pull this special effect off would be greatly appreciated.

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Topper
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Posted: 3/13/08 at 2:05pm

Are you certain it has to be real flames? The big issue won't be getting the fireplace to start on cue, it will be venting the smoke & ash out of your theater so as to not asphyxiate your cast, crew & audience while setting off the fire alarms.

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

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TonyDi
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Posted: 3/13/08 at 2:14pm

To say nothing of having a qualified pyrotechnician, licensed, insured and clearance from the local fire marshall for using REAL FIRE onstage in a closed public facility. Hope your insurance premiums are paid up and nothing happens as Topper said. NOT a smart move to try this even. Just not a wise idea.

TonyDi

"Almost famous"

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Sweeney
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Posted: 3/13/08 at 2:27pm

Well I'm open for suggestions. We've done other pyro effects with no issues with our fire M. (example- torches)

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biggertigger
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Posted: 3/13/08 at 10:04pm

Wow, living a little dangerously with open flames on stage. Rules in many states have changed since the dance club burned down after that pyrotechnic fire a few years back. I would check with local and state loaning laws about the use of any pyro (candles included).

That being said, there are many products out there that can simulate fire in a fireplace. If you could give us a little more information on what you need, maybe what play what needs to happen for the "fire" effect ect.

The best one I have found is similar to those fire cauldrens that are out during halloween. They plug in and can be can be adapted to be controlled by your light board.

If I find a website, I'll try to post it.

The two greatest days in a theater persons life, the day you start a new show and the day the damn thing closes.

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JoeMc
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Posted: 3/14/08 at 1:28am

One suggestion - DON"T!

However a simulated fireplace is safer.

Here are a couple of things you could look at;-

Flamejett;-

http://www.thomann.de/gb/safex_flamejettt_flame_projector.htm

Flame effects;-

http://www.bste.co.uk/catalogue/index.php?act=viewCat&catId=12

I doubt this is what you want or need.

It is simple enough to grab a 'Neon' starter & place it series with incandescent globes for the effect. {[in the active or neutal side &/or both circuit cables] however get a qualified electricain to to do it}

Also it will operate thru your dimmers & can be brought up from a small fire to a brighter one, with random flickering, under coals or other simulated fires.

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

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Sweeney
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Posted: 3/14/08 at 11:26am

The play we are doing is I HATE HAMLET.. The director would like the fireplace to ignite during the seance. Just that moment, and then die out.

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MartyW
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Posted: 3/14/08 at 11:37am

We have done them with a barbeque element in the fireplace with a gas line and ignitor. But I would suggest you go to the local fireplace supply house (most places have one or a big box home improvment) and beg borrow, steal or buy one of those new fake fireplaces... they dont need venting, its real flame and its controlable by a remote...

Marty W

"Till next we trod the boards.."

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JoeMc
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Posted: 3/14/08 at 8:50pm

Great idea Marty!

I have seen these on the 'box', but never ventured to investigate, as we don't have a fireplace at home.

I believe the principle is simple enough & works automaticly.

As you suggested fronting up the manufacture &/or suppliers, would be worth while.

it is amazing what you can get for a few comps & free advertising!

Now I will have to go & check these fieplace systems out!

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

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Sweeney
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Posted: 3/15/08 at 3:59pm

Really like your idea Marty. and Joe, great links. We'll be checking those out as well.

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Set Design and Construction
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Topic: Self Starting Fireplace( Topic Closed)
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Author	Message
Sweeney Walk-On Joined: 3/13/08 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 0	Topic: Self Starting Fireplace Posted: 3/13/08 at 11:48am
	Need your help gang. We are in need of a self starting fireplace. Yes- with real flames igniting. Any suggestions on how to pull this special effect off would be greatly appreciated.

	IP Logged

Topper Celebrity Joined: 1/27/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 543	Posted: 3/13/08 at 2:05pm
	Are you certain it has to be real flames? The big issue won't be getting the fireplace to start on cue, it will be venting the smoke & ash out of your theater so as to not asphyxiate your cast, crew & audience while setting off the fire alarms.
	"None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone
	IP Logged

TonyDi Celebrity Joined: 9/13/06 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 325	Posted: 3/13/08 at 2:14pm
	To say nothing of having a qualified pyrotechnician, licensed, insured and clearance from the local fire marshall for using REAL FIRE onstage in a closed public facility. Hope your insurance premiums are paid up and nothing happens as Topper said. NOT a smart move to try this even. Just not a wise idea. TonyDi
	"Almost famous"
	IP Logged

Sweeney Walk-On Joined: 3/13/08 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 0	Posted: 3/13/08 at 2:27pm
	Well I'm open for suggestions. We've done other pyro effects with no issues with our fire M. (example- torches)
	IP Logged

biggertigger Celebrity Joined: 4/16/07 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 188	Posted: 3/13/08 at 10:04pm
	Wow, living a little dangerously with open flames on stage. Rules in many states have changed since the dance club burned down after that pyrotechnic fire a few years back. I would check with local and state loaning laws about the use of any pyro (candles included). That being said, there are many products out there that can simulate fire in a fireplace. If you could give us a little more information on what you need, maybe what play what needs to happen for the "fire" effect ect. The best one I have found is similar to those fire cauldrens that are out during halloween. They plug in and can be can be adapted to be controlled by your light board. If I find a website, I'll try to post it.
	The two greatest days in a theater persons life, the day you start a new show and the day the damn thing closes.
	IP Logged

JoeMc Celebrity Joined: 3/13/06 Location: Australia Online Status: Offline Posts: 832	Posted: 3/14/08 at 1:28am
	One suggestion - DON"T! However a simulated fireplace is safer. Here are a couple of things you could look at;- Flamejett;- http://www.thomann.de/gb/safex_flamejettt_flame_projector.htm Flame effects;- http://www.bste.co.uk/catalogue/index.php?act=viewCat&catId=12 I doubt this is what you want or need. It is simple enough to grab a 'Neon' starter & place it series with incandescent globes for the effect. {[in the active or neutal side &/or both circuit cables] however get a qualified electricain to to do it} Also it will operate thru your dimmers & can be brought up from a small fire to a brighter one, with random flickering, under coals or other simulated fires.
	[western] Gondawandaland "Hear the light & see the sound! TOI TOI CHOOKAS {may you always play to a full house!}
	IP Logged

Sweeney Walk-On Joined: 3/13/08 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 0	Posted: 3/14/08 at 11:26am
	The play we are doing is I HATE HAMLET.. The director would like the fireplace to ignite during the seance. Just that moment, and then die out.
	IP Logged

MartyW Celebrity Joined: 2/02/04 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 555	Posted: 3/14/08 at 11:37am
	We have done them with a barbeque element in the fireplace with a gas line and ignitor. But I would suggest you go to the local fireplace supply house (most places have one or a big box home improvment) and beg borrow, steal or buy one of those new fake fireplaces... they dont need venting, its real flame and its controlable by a remote...
	Marty W "Till next we trod the boards.."
	IP Logged

JoeMc Celebrity Joined: 3/13/06 Location: Australia Online Status: Offline Posts: 832	Posted: 3/14/08 at 8:50pm
	Great idea Marty! I have seen these on the 'box', but never ventured to investigate, as we don't have a fireplace at home. I believe the principle is simple enough & works automaticly. As you suggested fronting up the manufacture &/or suppliers, would be worth while. it is amazing what you can get for a few comps & free advertising! Now I will have to go & check these fieplace systems out!
	[western] Gondawandaland "Hear the light & see the sound! TOI TOI CHOOKAS {may you always play to a full house!}
	IP Logged

Sweeney Walk-On Joined: 3/13/08 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 0	Posted: 3/15/08 at 3:59pm
	Really like your idea Marty. and Joe, great links. We'll be checking those out as well.
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