Musical Hairspray blowtorch effect

[mcmarce]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 5:20am

Does anyone know what is used for the stage productions of Hairspray in the jail scene where a "can of hairspray" is used as a blow torch. Looks like some kind of sparkler effect coming from the can. Any info helpful. Thank you.

[aasjb4ever]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 7:00am

Go outside with a can of hairspray and a lit match. Spray. Boom there's your effect.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 10:24am

Are you asking out of curiousity or are you mounting a production? I only ask, because if you are doing the show, most local theaters (and likely ALL schools) won't let you light anything afire.

I know I cannot at my school.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 10:39am

You can't in many theatres unless there is a trained licensed pryo-technician on hand to over see the fire effect.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 11:18am

Have the actor hold a prop can, turn upstage, and use a sound effect. It's a split-second moment in the show. Not worth going for the fire permits and related expenses and hassle.

[ghostlight2]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 11:51am

eta: this might be very obvious, but assjb4ever's suggestion of "Go outside with a can of hairspray and a lit match. Spray. Boom there's your effect." is a really bad idea. Many people have been injured and even killed doing this. There's not only an out of control flame, but sometimes the can explodes, spraying flames and schrapnel.

Other than that, what Capnhook said. In Hairspray it was probably a pyro cartridge, not only expensive but dangerous. You'd need a pyro person and approval of the fire department.

Why is all this so tightly regulated? Many a nightclub fire has started by a band using special effects improperly. For example:


Over 200 people died last night in Brazil when pyrotechnics went awry Updated On: 1/27/13 at 11:51 AM

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 12:45pm

It's actually a spark wheel on a motor, built into a fake can. It only shoots sparks and doesn't shoot flames.


But that's not to say its still not a huge fire hazard.

[ghostlight2]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 12:49pm

That would have been my second guess and makes perfect sense, Diva - and you're right, it still has the huge potential of fire hazard, and would (or ought) involve a pyro pro and fire department inspection and approval.

[smurftoo]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 12:51pm

Have Link smother the jailcell bars with bbq sauce and Tracey can eat through the bars!