Date: Tue, 15 Oct 2002 23:54:48 -0400
Subject: Re: PUPT: Flashes?


>Was wondering what the difference would be if I replaced my three old
>flash pots using flash cotton, with an electronic flash

>Fred Greenspan

  Flash pots have a much more lingering presence than any electronic flash.
Though, perhaps the electronic flash can really be a strobe light, so it can
keep flashing for a second or two.  The flame and smoke of a flash pot are
both stil better theatrically than a strobe in my opinion.

  I am trying to think of ways to help reach the same level theatrically,
but without pyro.  I wonder if for the Devil's appearance you can also use a
blown-silk flame effect. If you illuminate the silk with the strobe, I bet
that will be very effective and also be very visible in sunlight, even if
the strobe is washed out by the sun.  I think the air source needs to be
very sudden, and not just a fan which takes time to ramp up.  Perhaps a
blast from a canned air product?

  Even for a Genie, you could use a whie silk for the simulated smoke.  You
might even frame the silk with wire instead of blowing it up.  Also,
illuminate it with the strobe up against it.  Your silk-smoke prop is raised
from below the stage just behind the lamp, and the Genie enters hidden by
the silk. Then you lower the silk to reveal the Genie.

Joe Dunfee  joe-AT-dunfee.com
Strasburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.



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