Theatrical Effects
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Fire
Real fire on stage in an educational environment is very difficult to justify. Lighting and/or projection, alongside a smoke machine and sound effects will produce a suitably realistic-looking effect.
The 'Pirates of the Caribbean' ride at Disneyland uses a combination of different illusion methods to set a village on fire, for 12 hours a day, every day. The effect was so realistic that an off-duty fire officer almost caused an evacuation of the ride when they believed they were in danger.
Techniques used: Reflections from Mylar fabric blown by a fan Strips of silk in the rough shape of flames, with lighting below, and supported by fans blowing upwards. The simple technology is very often the best.
Pyrotechnics
- Smoking Bomb effect - do not be tempted to use a smoke flare or any similar device, which is designed only for outdoor use. Due to the fact the device is being held by an actor, the best way to achieve this is with a small battery-operated smoke machine contained within a fake 'bomb' casing, which can be easily dismantled. If you need the 'bomb' to be thrown around by actors, please seek professional advice.
- See also Pyrotechnics section
Smoke / Haze
Lasers
Lasers pose many challenges for safety, but similar effects can be achieved with profile lights (moving or not) with gobos or even with projection aimed from upstage towards the audience.