|
|
Eldon
Special user
Virden, IL
850 Posts
|
Posted: May 23, 2012 12:43am
What do you think are good demensions for a stage trap door that is going to be used to make one person vanish or appear.
|
magicboy7
New user
Chicago, IL
43 Posts
|
Posted: May 23, 2012 3:01am
We have a few built in our stage at the Kanapali Beach Hotel. I am 5
foot six and the size we use is 12 x 12
|
Frank Simpson
Special user
SW Montana
707 Posts
|
Posted: May 23, 2012 8:54am
This is a little like asking, "I need a vehicle to move something. What should I get?" The question begs more questions rather than a single answer.
Does it need to be fast or slow? Is the vanish visible or covered? Who is going through it? How much clearance is available below? Is noise a factor? Does it require crew to operate? If so, how many? Will it open up or down? Etc. etc. etc.
It is far more important to built the right one rather than just one in general. In Jim Steinmeyer's excellent book Art and Artifice he goes into no small detail about the Mascot Moth illusion as performed in Doug Henning's Broadway musical Merlin. When the house crew saw the stage arrangement they asked "what goes through that?" to which the answer was "not 'what' but 'who'?" The crew was certain they'd have to rework the entire thing but they were proved wrong. Every night it took 5 people to execute the effect.
So make sure you get the right answer for your needs rather than just a pat answer.
Best of luck!
|
EsnRedshirt
Special user
Newark, CA
902 Posts
|
Posted: May 23, 2012 10:37am
The few theaters I've been in that have had traps have had, if I recall, an eight foot square space of removable platform- two sheets of plywood side by side. When a trap is required for a production, it is built as big or small as needed and dropped into the space. Of course, the size varies depending on what's going up or down.
Are you helping to design a stage? Are you building a portable stage? Is it just a raised platform to be placed on a performance area? Frank is right- we need more info to provide any good advice.
Self-proclaimed Jack-of-all-trades and google expert*.
* = Take any advice from this person with a grain of salt.
|
ThatsJustWrong!
Special user
My flying monkeys are perched on
607 Posts
|
Posted: May 23, 2012 11:10am
Another question that you should know in advance is whether it's a union theatre (IATSE). There are some major union and OSHA requirements regarding the operation, rehearsing and securing of trapdoors that must also be considered. Consider that many Broadway shows that use traps have the entire stage floor rebuilt to accomodate them (placement, structural concerns, clear space and safety access below, stairs or ladder, etc). Just some more considerations, a trap is not just a hole in the stage that you can leave behind and just hope nobody dances into next week. 
Joe Leo
www.MisfitMagic.net
All entertainers can benefit from some help from an experienced stage director. How about you?
|
Eldon
Special user
Virden, IL
850 Posts
|
Posted: May 23, 2012 11:21am
All great answers. We discovered the OSHA and IATSE requirements yesturday. I was thinking along the lines that Redshirt mentioned. Removable panels so each trap can be built to work for different productions. Thanks Guys.
|
ThatsJustWrong!
Special user
My flying monkeys are perched on
607 Posts
|
Posted: May 23, 2012 11:59am
You'll be safer in a union house but your stress and overhead may go up a little. You will also need to involve your (assumed union-AEA) Stage Manager who will have to add cues to ready the trap, release safeties, yadda yadda yadda. An escape ladder will have to be affixed to the trap, not just laid up against it, but does it stay there or is it bolted into place just prior to use... ugh. I'm sure you are starting to get the idea, though.
What redshirt describes is fairly common among theatres that book a lot of touring shows but keep in mind that the stage supports are framed around these inserts which are fully framed themselves and can drop and bolt into place. When traps are used, they create a new insert as he said. These are not inexpensive, however, and the traps still need to meet the OSHA requirements so negotiate who pays for what into your contracts Good luck, sir!
Joe Leo
www.MisfitMagic.net
All entertainers can benefit from some help from an experienced stage director. How about you?
|
socalmagic
Loyal user
Los Angeles
223 Posts
|
Posted: May 23, 2012 12:00pm
I wouold also appreciate any advice regarding a stage trap. I've done some reserach and have not found a suitable solution. I have a portable stage that is 3 feet high that I use for outdoor shows. I've always thought it would be nice to utilize a trap since it's my stage and I can customize however I please. I would use it from behind a large crate that is center stage.
Los Angeles Magician
Los Angeles Comedy Hypnotist
|
hugmagic
Inner circle
6562 Posts
|
Posted: May 23, 2012 12:03pm
I will send you a pm on your portable stage.
Richard
Richard E. Hughes, Hughes Magic Inc., 352 N. Prospect St., Ravenna, OH 44266 (330)296-4023
www.hughesmagic.com
email-hugmagic@raex.com
Write direct as I will be turning off my PM's.
|
hugmagic
Inner circle
6562 Posts
|
Posted: May 23, 2012 3:45pm
Every trap must be maintained depending upon the type and frequency of use. All traps need to have an iron bar across them on the bottom that is lockable for OHSA requirements.
These are absolutes no matter the size of trap, use, or venue.
Richard
Richard E. Hughes, Hughes Magic Inc., 352 N. Prospect St., Ravenna, OH 44266 (330)296-4023
www.hughesmagic.com
email-hugmagic@raex.com
Write direct as I will be turning off my PM's.
|
Selcouth
New user
29 Posts
|
Posted: May 23, 2012 4:48pm
Quote:
|
On 2012-05-23 15:45, hugmagic wrote:
Every trap must be maintained depending upon the type and frequency of use.
|
|
Not just traps. An old circus performer once offered me the following advice for all equipment, "As an absolute minimum - check it twice, use it once."
Although the presentation of many illusions suggests that they are far more difficult or dangerous to perform than they really are, almost every illusion can be dangerous if something goes wrong. Maintenance and safety checks are as much a part of the routine as practice and performance. They are never options.
|
| The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Grand illusion » » Stage Trap |
|
|
