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Eldon Inner circle Virden, IL 1137 Posts |
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.
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magicboy7 New user Chicago, IL 45 Posts |
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 883 Posts |
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 895 Posts |
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 629 Posts |
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
All entertainers can benefit from some help from an experienced stage director. How about you? www.MisfitMysteries.com |
Eldon Inner circle Virden, IL 1137 Posts |
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.
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ThatsJustWrong! Special user My flying monkeys are perched on 629 Posts |
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
All entertainers can benefit from some help from an experienced stage director. How about you? www.MisfitMysteries.com |
socalmagic Loyal user Los Angeles 267 Posts |
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.
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hugmagic Inner circle 7655 Posts |
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 7655 Posts |
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 |
Quote:
On 2012-05-23 15:45, hugmagic wrote: 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. |
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