Set Design and Construction: how to make it rain

Print Page | Close Window

how to make it rain

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Set Design and Construction
Forum Discription: Post your questions or suggestions about designing or building a set here.
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4768
Printed Date: 11/23/24 at 4:42pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: how to make it rain

Posted By: BelizeAA
Subject: how to make it rain
Date Posted: 8/24/10 at 5:27am

I have a set that has a large window . I need it to look like it's pouring rain outside. Suggestions anyone?

-------------
Friendship is the wine of Life.

Replies:

Posted By: David McCall
Date Posted: 8/24/10 at 10:34am

Be very careful. If you get water on a wooden stage it will likely warp. Consider a video projection, or an effects wheel.

-------------
David M

Posted By: gelcat
Date Posted: 8/26/10 at 11:11am

the hardest part of this rig is finding a pump that is quiet and still moves the water back up your vertical - unless you are willing to waste water by just having a hose running the entire time and the catch basin drained off as well -

I agree with David - rigging the actual window and retrieval tray and the surrounding area for waterproofing is very important!

Also, reminders to use the bathroom before a performanc e that features a lot of rain can be very important as well.

-------------
www.actorsguildonline.org
Actors Guild of Parkersburg
Parkersburg, WV

Posted By: bamcreative
Date Posted: 8/26/10 at 6:51pm

You can find cheap submersible pumps at McMaster-Carr or sites like it. Submerge them in water and they're very quiet. They'll move a lot of water.

-------------
Will
http://bamcreativearts.com

Posted By: MartyW
Date Posted: 8/30/10 at 1:58pm

Making it rain is easy.... collecting it after is the trick...

-------------
Marty W

"Till next we trod the boards.."

Posted By: tech_director
Date Posted: 8/31/10 at 5:57pm

Unless it is important that the actor actually get wet (Singing in the Rain, Grapes of Wrath, etc.) I wouldn't ever use real water for a rain effect. Lights with the right gobos and gels, with some rain sound effect, some lighting flashes, should get the idea across.