Hi there,

I am putting together a full evening show for a high school auditorium. The auditorium will seat 1000, and has a rather large stage. I am in the market to purchase a backdrop for this stage. I am interested in one like you see the Pendragons use that is black with what looks to be sparkles simulating stars. I think this would be the best because many of my illusions have different color schemes. I would also like to do an asrah in my show, and I've seen it done with this color backdrop. Who would I go to to make this and does anyone have a ball park figure of what kind of price I'm looking at? Thanks.

Thousands. 10 a square foot plus illuminator -- 500-1500

A standard 30x23 -- 7000.00

Zigmont,

Is this a fibre optic curtain you are referring to, or a "starlight" curtain (small lighbulbs)?? The one I have is with bulbs and is the one Doug used with his double levitation, I believe. It's 50'x 28'. Not sure if fibre optic can give the same twinkling effect.

For curtains, use the web. There is a big drapery house near New York which also sells used curtains. Another location might be Adirondick Scenic. They do great canvas work and drapery also. They did the drapes/curtains for the Lance Burton theatre and have a great shop!! (Upstate New York)

Good Luck.

Blair Marshall

Thank You Guys,

Zigmont, when you say the standard, do you mean seven thousand dollars? Also, will that backdrop work for an asrah? I think it will. Thank you very much.

Black on black is not good for thread work.
Mylar works best for asrah.
Standard backdrop size is 23x30
Yes I was talking about fiber optic stardrops and they do twinkle.

Eyelash curtain, red or blue could work also.
Doug worked with blue for his Adams' floating hanks, always had them moving a little.

Thanks Zigmont, Ab Dickson had suggested I redo the "ShaZzam!" logo with a fiber optic version.

Blair Marshall
"ShaZzam!"

Check with http://www.andersonsprom.com. They have all kind of decorations. Hope this helps.

Hey Beaudini, what was the ourtcome of your search?? What did you end up with?

Blair Marshall
"ShaZzam!"

Hi Blair,

I havent decided on a backdrop yet, but i think that i will try and use just a flat black back drop for know and accentuate the illusions with nice lighting and F/X. Thank you all for your help.

While you use this idea for your current show, you should keep on the lookout for a good deal on a backdrop (whatever kind you decide on). I would if I were you try to get smaller panels ie. 10-12 feet wide, when full and hung you would not notice the breaks and you could buy 2 and add later other panels for larger venues. 2 panels would allow for 16', 4 would give you 30-36' etc.

Best of luck.

Blair Marshall
"ShaZzam!"

Beau,
I know where you could borrow a set of flat black if you want.
I think we have about 24 ft of it.
Drop me an email or I'll see you at the auction Sat.

Shadow

Hi Guys:

PVC pipes have been problematic at best for me, I find the structure flimsy even though I anchored it in sand filled mc donalds pickle pails. Im thinking of going the way of the MDF...making a three way deal on hinges and covering with inexpensive wraped mirrorlike material from Ikea.
Just a thought guys...if you have better methods of mounting your pvc pipes I'm all ears:
Thanks Much:
DEB

Deb,

Check out the backdrop section under FX I discuss the PVC Backdrops which I use.

I rent my curtains and backdrops from a local theater. My IBM club also rents a complete stage, curtain, sound and lighting effects for next to nothing if you are a member.

Hi All,

Just thought I'd offer an suggestion that I used a few years back. I found that in the fabric/garment district in downtown L.A. you can buy fancy materials at a fraction of the prices you find in regular fabric stores.

I found several shops that sold sequined materials for as little as $1.89/yard. I bought 120 yards of a light black material covered with tiny (1/4 inch) blue sequins. I found a seamstress who sewed it into a 24 x 45 foot drop for just $200.00. I've since found the same material in other fabric stores for over $10.00/yard.

Because of the black and blue color scheme when you light the backdrop directly it turns a vibrant blue. When you light the stage without lighting the drop it fades to a dark blue/black.

The best part is that it's light (under 50 pounds), ties onto a flybar in minutes and can be crammed into a duffle bag without showing wrinkles. And all for under $500.00...

Murray

Murray,

Thank you so much for your advice, i will definately look into that!

Beau