Theatrical Fog

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 1/13/04 at 9:27pm

I need help. I am the technical director/lighting designer for our community theatre's production of Charlotte's Web and I have decided to use a fog when Charlotte spins her web. I was thinking more of a dry ice/haze. We have a low budget...anyone know where I can get one of these that are QUIET!? I want the fog to just flow out and to the ground. HELP! There are gonna be real cool colors going on too!

Updated On: 1/13/04 at 09:27 PM

[Auggie27]

Posted: 1/13/04 at 10:13pm

Can't help you on the web creation, alas. But does the script use any of the songs from the Hanna-Barbara cartoon? I love CW, and even that Debbie Reynolds voiced animated film. It's written by the Sherman Brothers (Mary Poppins) and very sweet. Good luck with it; a beautiful story to live with for a while, particularly in the dark, cold days of winter.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 1/13/04 at 10:40pm

It is not really the web creation, just the haze. I believe there is music while she is spinning her web, but this is a play version.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 1/13/04 at 10:56pm

Saw this thread title and thought it was an explanation of the condition Winnie Holzman was in whilst working on the Wicked book.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 1/14/04 at 7:55am

Wrong once again!

[orion59]

Posted: 1/14/04 at 8:10am

Thaetrical supply companies rent fog machines that can be set to get varying amounts of fog and different effects. They are not cheap to rent usually. At least in the Boston area they aren't. If your budget s really tight, you may need to rethink the idea. Check the internet listings for companies in your area that sell and rent theatrical supplies and sets.

[ghostlight]

Posted: 1/14/04 at 8:15am

Orion - where did you get that Quisp picture? What a hoot! You continue to crack me up. I swear if I lived in Boston we would be best friends.

[orion59]

Posted: 1/14/04 at 8:28am

I get a lot of cool pics by putting a word into googl;e and then going to the image tab and seeing what it pulls up. I loked up Quisp when I was thinking about how much I used to love that cereal as a child and I wish they still made it.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 1/14/04 at 10:38am

Dry ice is the fog that flows out and directly to the ground. The gas it creates is heavier than oxygen, so it falls to the floor and lingers for that swamp-like or magical effect.

The hazy effect requires a machine and lots of rehearsal time. You have to be very careful how much you use and for how long as the haze will linger for a while. During the first preview of Sweeney Todd in a small theatre (shermanslave might remember this), we used a fog machine for the Johanna sequence in Act II. It hadn't been properly tested and I remember walking onstage to have my throat cut and being unable to see a single member of the audience (as close as 6 feet away). The haze lingered through the rest of the show. It was pretty funny.

[papalovesmambo]

Posted: 1/14/04 at 10:57am

http://www.vincentlighting.com

that's one company in the area. give them a call and explain what you're looking for and how much you can spend. if they can't help you they might know someone who can.

http://www.carouseldinnertheatre.com/

try contacting carousel and see if they have anything that they would be willing to either let you borrow or rent from them. all they can say is no.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 1/14/04 at 12:36pm

Yes, I was aware that what I want is dry ice. Papa...we actually buy our lighting equipment from Vincents. I have a 2003 catalog from them...I will take a look. I am gonna hopefully work for Carousel in a month so that would be cool if they could lend me something. We used to use costumes from them.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 1/14/04 at 8:58pm

I mentioned this to the directors tonight and one said "oh, why go to that much trouble? blah blah blah!" I think I am gonna do it anyways. I feel it will add greatly to the effect...plus I am the TECHNICAL director.

[shermanslave]

Posted: 1/14/04 at 9:56pm

Mr. Matt!! that was the first thing i thought of too. The whole rest of the show had fog. Funny.

[BrdwyThtr]

Posted: 1/15/04 at 2:49pm

I have a fog machine that I bought at Target for $100. It gives off a pretty good smokey haze. Try Spencers.

[mebice]

Posted: 1/15/04 at 4:48pm

Good luck hun. I would tell you to ask kent, but we are using it for children of eden! YAYA...AND GUESS WHO IS COMING TO TALK TO US?
YES THE ONE AND ONLY MR. SCHWARTZ!!! how excited am i.
If you live near KSU, come see him. Open to the public on Feburary 23 at 6:30...if you want a number for a reservation pm me. YAY

[Kitzarina]

Posted: 1/15/04 at 6:15pm

Are you sure they don't make Quisp anymore? Because I remember my mom buying a box a few years ago and freaking out about how she used to love it as a kid. It was pretty good stuff too :)

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 1/15/04 at 10:57pm

Mebice, check your PM.