Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2005 00:15:13 -0500
To: puptcrit-driftline.org-AT-lists.driftline.org
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Re: Two questions


   I will second Jim's suggestion to use a black velvet backdrop.  A good
quality velvet (triple velvet is the term used for the best stuff) is VERY
black.  A person dressed in the same velvet against the backdrop will be
very hard to see under surprisingly high levels of light.

  There are two other factors that should be considered as well.  A more
intense UV source can compensate for a lot of ambient light by  making the
puppets shine brighter.   The human eye has a limited ability to adjust for
bright and shadow at the same time.

  On the same note, another trick is to place light colored objects or even
light bulbs around the procenium area. These are called "dazzlers". I am
familiar with Bob's show, and for his I can envision a 1ft high and 8ft wide
strip of wood set on the floor a few feet in front of his stage.  I can be
cut and painted with a few shades of blue to suggest waves or the ocean
floor.  It should be illuminated; perhaps by a rope-light.  But, I would
block the audience's direct view of the rope light because I think it would
become a distraction.

  For other shows which want to perform in a lot of ambient light, the rope
light actually framing the stage (though prevented from shining into the
performance space) is a great way to make the blacks seem blacker.

  I know that Bob's show really does benefit from a totally dark venue
because it creates an infinitely deep and wide expanse around his stage.
The strip of wood I am suggesting would detract from this, so it should be
omitted when he does get appropriate black out conditions.
Joe Dunfee  joe-AT-dunfee.com
Gordonville, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

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