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Special Section: Special Effects Joan Marcus it can be used virtually anywhere. It can be placed in floors, table tops, doorways or ceilings; hidden in furniture and faux appliances like TV sets; cut into books and other props to create special effects or give an added glow of light; or even placed in costumes. “As it runs on a simple 12v DC power, the LitePad can be powered almost anywhere using basic transformers or battery packs,” he says. A boon to any theatre: he says it’s almost indestructible and can be customized into almost any size or shape. The Addams Family on Broadway used Ultratec LSG low smoke generators to create cool fog that stayed low to the ground. LED light source but the magic is in its configuration and its accessories.” The light is mounted into a 1/4 thick layer of clear acrylic, and white LEDs are focused into the edge of the LitePad. “The light spreads out through the entire sheet of acrylic creating a bright, even illumination source with none of the harsh pin points of light or hots spots so typical of LED light fixtures.” The magic comes in that since the LitePad is only ¼-inch thick 9 - “Fire” without the smoke. “We ran into a unique situation for a production a couple of years ago.” says Matt Dillingham of Advanced Entertainment Services. “A performer was used to using a substantial amount of pyrotechnic effects during his show. Unfortunately, the venue prohibited the production of any kind of smoke during the event, including haze. We installed dozens of CO2 jets, and high volume air cannons in various locations on and around the stage.” All of the equipment was individually wired, and loaded with customized confetti and streamer material. By using a computerized control system, they were able to create elaborate discharge sequences, simulating multiple “pyrotechnic-type” effects without producing any smoke. “It was an innovative use of existing technology, and quite impressive to watch” says Dillingham. 40 June 2010 • www.stage-directions.com
By Stephen Peithman Off the Shelf | Back to Basics Books that get to the heart of what we do Whether you’re new to a particular aspect of theatre, or simply want a good, solid reference to consult when needed, you’ll find some valuable resources in this month’s round-up of recently published books. A good example is the updated edition of John Holloway’s Illustrated Theatre Production Guide, which provides a step-by-step approach to basic practices in technical theatre, including equipment, tools and materials, scenery construction, rigging, principles of electricity and implementation of a lighting design. Holloway adds more detail on stage management to this edition, as well as completely revamped chapters on metal frame construction, entertainment lighting (including DMX signals, dimmer mechanics, power distribution and digital lighting) and eco-friendly tips on reusing and recycling props and set material. A companion website includes how-to videos on such tasks as tying knots, building a chandelier and constructing an outdoor stage. This continues to be an impressively comprehensive guide. [$44.95, Focal Press] Many costume designers find it difficult to create drawings that do justice to both the costumes and the characters who wear them. In Character Costume Figure Drawing, Tan Huaixiang explains, step by step, how to render costumed figures so that designs are presented at their best, in a way that directors and actors can relate to. The author begins with basic body proportion, bone structure, facial expressions, hands and feet, then moves on to fabrics, hats and props. Most impressive, however, are Huaixiang’s three-step drawing guides, which show how to convert a sketch from a stick figure to a fully developed character. She also provides detailed examples of drawing faces, hands and feet, and depicting fabrics in different colors and textures, aided by a generous helping of drawings, many in full color. In this second edition of her book are ideas from productions the author has worked on in past five years, new costume design examples and tips on how to draw children and music/dance characters, as well as characters based on the time period in which they live. Beautifully conceived and organized, this would be an outstanding addition to the costume library. [$44.95, Focal Press] Wig Making and Styling: A Complete Guide for Theatre & Film, by Martha Ruskai and Allison Lowery, is the first book we’ve found that covers altering of existing wigs as well as creating wigs from scratch. You’ll find tips on styling tools, hair types, wig making and measuring, coloring, cutting and even creating beards and toupees. Care and maintenance of wigs is explained in particular detail, as is preparing for opening night of a production—and beyond. Nicely done, with an abundance of full-color photographs that do a good job of illustrating the various techniques and finished results. [$49.95, Focal Press] What is unique and essential about theatre? That’s the question that lies at the heart of Paul Woodruff’s The Necessity of Theater: The Art of Watching and Being Watched. The answer to that question lies in the book’s subtitle. Performers practice the art of being watched—making their actions worth watching and paying attention to action, choice, plot, character and what Woodruff calls the “sacredness” of performance space. Audiences, on the other hand, practice the art of paying close attention—and a good audience, Woodruff points out, is emotionally engaged, with an empathy that can lead to a special kind of human wisdom. It’s a philosopher’s approach from an author who is, in fact, a professor of philosophy, providing a thoughtful and provocative slant on a process that many of us take for granted. [$17.95, Oxford Univ. Press] Theatre Craft: A Director’s Practical Companion from A to Z is designed as an all-encompassing guide, with alphabetically arranged advice, from acting, adaptation and accent to sound effects, superstition, trap doors and wardrobe. Author John Caird draws on his years of experience in directing and adapting plays, operas and musicals for London’s National Theatre, in the West End, on Broadway and for the Royal Shakespeare Company. While the book cannot cover the various subjects in great detail, it does provide a good starting point—and often much more. [$20.00, Faber and Faber] The Handbook of Nonprofit Governance, by BoardSource, covers basics such as building a board, succession planning, drafting and maintaining policies, financial oversight, fundraising, strategic planning, risk management and evaluation of the board, CEO and organization. There also are chapters on media relations, communications and outreach, as well as the maintaining and archiving of records. Nicely done, the handbook includes a good selection of sample policies and a helpful glossary of terms and concepts. [$90, Jossey-Bass] www.stage-directions.com • June 2010 41
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