Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board: Actor size urn/large vase

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   Hi. I need to construct 3 urns/large vases. They need to be light weight enough for easy setting and each of the three actors must be able to stand or kneel in them for the duration of the piece. Whilst the easiest would be to make wooden frames and stretch canvas over them and then paint them, I'd prefer them to be rounded. I have the summer months to do the work so papier machee is also a possibility, but again I need a frame. All ideas gratefully received. 

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Figetje Walk-On Joined: 4/09/09 Online Status: Offline Posts: 0	Topic: Actor size urn/large vase Posted: 4/09/09 at 7:31am
	Hi. I need to construct 3 urns/large vases. They need to be light weight enough for easy setting and each of the three actors must be able to stand or kneel in them for the duration of the piece. Whilst the easiest would be to make wooden frames and stretch canvas over them and then paint them, I'd prefer them to be rounded. I have the summer months to do the work so papier machee is also a possibility, but again I need a frame. All ideas gratefully received.

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Mike Swy Walk-On Joined: 11/23/08 Online Status: Offline Posts: 0	Posted: 4/10/09 at 1:22pm
	Foam rubber. I know, probably sounds crazy but I've made dozens of costumes, set pieces and small and large props with it. In fact I get hired quite often to do special projects for shows who want something made because they've seen something I've done. Just did King and I, Peter Pan, Farndale Christmas. It's easily sculpted and light weight. Comes in a variety of thicknesses and paints up great. Hot glue or "foam glue" to form it. It'll have smooth lines, if done properly no seams, and, can absolutely be made round. Get an upholstery shop to donate - or buy it in large pieces at fabric shops or Hobby Lobby.
	"I never quite got the hang of real life." Phoebe Craddock, "Romantic Comedy"
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whitebat Celebrity Joined: 8/05/07 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 137	Posted: 4/10/09 at 1:58pm
	I would probably use large plastic garbage cans for the bases, and use chicken wire and paper mache to make the vase shape. Something else with paper mache would probably make a nicer shape though. Another thought would be using Sonotubes (cardboard tubes used for building) for part of the vases. You could cover them with either canvas or paper mache. Actually, I think you could paint them directly, being cardboard. They are just a cylinder, and come in various sizes. You'd probably have to add some trim to get the shape right.
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Figetje Walk-On Joined: 4/09/09 Online Status: Offline Posts: 0	Posted: 4/14/09 at 5:45am
	Thanks very much Mike, Whitebat for your suggestions. Foam sounds like the right answer and I'll look to sourcing it locally (Belgium). In fact a combination of sonotubes and foam will probably give the right balance of rigidity and the light weight necessary for easy setting.
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Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup
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Topic: Actor size urn/large vase( Topic Closed)