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Strangelittleman Regular user Sydney Aus 184 Posts |
Ok, I have NO idea on where to post so mods...please move this to wherever is appropriate.
Now heres the deal. Ive had a great idea for a play which has been fleshed out and a lovely little theatre company are going to help me bring it to life. Now the main character is set out as a slightly mythical kind of thing and as the only part of me I really need for my magic is my hands its been decided that we should use a 'body puppet' for the costuming. Im all for this as I think it opens up some great new ideas, BUT - no one has a clue on how to create a realistic one of these (think 'dark crystal' style puppets and you'll get what I mean). We have over a year to get this ready so time is not a factor - and we are very ready to put in the work to learn....but anyone got any ideas.. Also - anyone got any leads on any other magicians that work from a heavy costume like this (and I don't mean weight). Any and all help will be seriously appreciated. |
Spellbinder Inner circle The Holy City of East Orange, NJ 6438 Posts |
Look at the Jim Henson film "Labyrinth" and check out the Wizard-like character that appears about half-way through; the little guy with the live bird hat. Is that sort of what you have in mind?
http://www.astrolog.org/labyrnth/still/l2.gif
Professor Spellbinder
Professor Emeritus at the Turkey Buzzard Academy of Magik, Witchcraft and Wizardry http://www.magicnook.com Publisher of The Wizards' Journals |
gaddy Inner circle Agent of Chaos 3526 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-02-05 22:16, Strangelittleman wrote: Sylvester the Jester uses a "heavy costume" if I catch your meaning. If you are thinking of "Dark Crystal" type puppetry and/or production values, and you've only got a year to do this- I'd say get moving ASAP. You're already pressed for time. I'd suggest using only a few good illusions that will showcase the magical/mythical aspects of the play's universe. Perhaps a "Haunted House Illusion" and a "Sub-Trunk" and a "Silk Fountain" could be used as the showcase "tricks" of the play. These are relatively easy to put together and to perform, they are totally visual illusions that do not need lengthy set-ups for, and they are totally incredible illusions, to boot! good luck, any questions feel free to PM me.
*due to the editorial policies here, words on this site attributed to me cannot necessarily be held to be my own.*
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Strangelittleman Regular user Sydney Aus 184 Posts |
Spellbinder - the concept is similar to the wizard with the bird hat - although that was a multiple man puppet for controls I need to pilot it myself in this case so less 'extravagant', and also a few shades creepier...best description - a troll like city shaman character - that's about as good as it gets lol.
Gaddy, very similar to Sylvester - thanks for the link Im lucky that the production values are no where NEAR the 'Dark Crystal' in cost, of course it will be a lot cruder aswell. On the up side - we do have a professional SFX person working with us who has LOTS of expereince on the 'Farscape' puppets, which is very handy. A working rough prototype should be completed in a month - giving us a chance to put it out on the street to work with....possibly the pair (we have a second character that was decided to go ahead with last night). I like the idea of the illusions as the character will be telling a story with the magic taking place as the story is acted out by other cast - again - some small stuff will be done with my own hands (modified tricks using props appropriate). Im also thinking a large modifed botanica - although I know of no one that creates HUGE (4ft) botanicas lol. Thanks for the advice though - its really appreciated |
Spellbinder Inner circle The Holy City of East Orange, NJ 6438 Posts |
If by "botanica" you mean "botania" where flowers grow in an instant, you might check out my article on "Flower Power" in The Wizards' Journal #14 (on my site)which describes a Robert Harbin invention that was first used in a stage production of "The Wizard of Oz". It has no limits on how big you build the thing, and you can use inexpensive Dollar Store (or whatever the Australian equivalent is) silk flowers rather than the more expensive feather variety.
Professor Spellbinder
Professor Emeritus at the Turkey Buzzard Academy of Magik, Witchcraft and Wizardry http://www.magicnook.com Publisher of The Wizards' Journals |
airship Inner circle In my day, I have driven 1594 Posts |
The time crunch isn't so much in making the costume - though you DO have to get that right! - as it is in learning to operate it properly. THAT will take lots and lots of practice. So settle on a design as quickly as you can, then focus on practicing so you can operate it smoothly and naturally. It's more like dancing than it is like working a child's hand puppet.
'The central secret of conjuring is a manipulation of interest.' - Henry Hay
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Eoas New user Australia 40 Posts |
Is this show to be performed in Sydney? Sounds interesting!
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