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freefallillusion1 Elite user Cincinnati, OH 446 Posts |
Okay, here's a new one for all the stage building experts here. I have the opportunity this summer to present a long run of my show, but I have to build the stage myself. No problem there. I would like to include a DeKol*a ch*ir vanish, but I have no way to have an assistant under the stage to operate the trap. So, is there a way I can build a trap into this stage which is rock-solid throughout the show, yet can be worked by the person who needs to go through it? There are a million ways to make it latch, but the problem is that it needs to leave the stage surface flat and intact, with no bumps or divots. Thanks!
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dirkallen New user 3 Posts |
You might want to consider a self-contained Dekolta Chair with a deceptive base or black art method.
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Grandillusionsmagic Loyal user 270 Posts |
What if you make the normal trap that latches from bellow, but you also have velcro or magnets. just before the effect your assistant goes down and unlatches it then she can push it down then close it and latch it. that would leave it strong for the rest of the show.
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magicguy67 Loyal user mEL.fLORIDA 287 Posts |
Yeah,maybe you could use black art and raise the curtain or whatever above her and then she slips back behind the black art.
they thought it was impossible until they met me.
theres no reality in magic did the magician come before the assistant or the other way around. |
Jim Poor Special user Fairfax, VA 676 Posts |
Remote control?
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kregg Inner circle 1950 Posts |
If there is an orchestra pit - could build a catwalk?
POOF!
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Spellbinder Inner circle The Holy City of East Orange, NJ 6438 Posts |
Karl Germain also wrestled with this particular problem. His final solution was a catwalk over the orchestra pit to taken the chair almost out into the audience. However, he developed other solutions in the process, one of which might work for you. That is to make a raised platform on stage with a set of steps leading up to the top. It does not have to be a high platform, just one big enough to receive the body, as it were. This leaves your stage floor intact (the same problem encountered by Germain who was working the chataugua circuit at the time).
Professor Spellbinder
Professor Emeritus at the Turkey Buzzard Academy of Magik, Witchcraft and Wizardry http://www.magicnook.com Publisher of The Wizards' Journals |
RiserMagic Veteran user 361 Posts |
Why don't you do it the same way de Kolta did it?
Jim |
Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
My first thought is to question whether or not the trap could open up, instead of down. If so, problem solved.
If not, Grandillusionsmagic may be close to the right track, although magnets or Velcro are unlikely to work well. The trap could be spring loaded. It would default to a closed position, and open when weight is applied to it, not unlike a Hoffmann table trap. It could be security locked from below prior to needing it, and unlocked moments before actual use. If the assistant cannot effectively go under the stage to unlock it, see if a throw bolt can be operated from a distance away, perhaps by cable, lever, or both. Relocking can be done once the assistant is underneath. ~michael
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
closeupmagician New user 60 Posts |
I would just go with a DB or Black Art...
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