Special Effects for the Theatre


Definition: Effects that are out of the ordinary or unique to a given production. Special effects usually do not fall within a given design area without discussion among the production team.

Special Effect Classifications

Mechanical



Tosca
Duluth/Superior Symphony Opera
Richard Durst, Scenic Designer
Firing squad flintlocks

 

 


You Can't Take It With You
Frank Silberstein, Scenic Design
Brown County Playhouse
Fireworks


Pyrotechnical



Pippin
Richard Durst, Scenic Designer
Minnesota Repertory Theatre

 


Pippin

Magical Entrance


Electrical



You Can't Take It With You
Arden Weaver, Scenic Design
Justin Anderson, Lighting Designer
UMD Theatre

 

Special Effects Examples

Moon



Into the Woods
Arden Weaver, Scenic Designer
Scott Mellesmoen, Lighting Designer
UMD Theatre




Chicago
Arden Weaver, Scenic Design
UMD Theatre


Stars


Robber Bridegroom
Richard Durst, Scenic Designer
UMD Theatre


Lightning


Water

Fiber Optics



Great God Brown
Arden Weaver, Scenic Designer
UMD Theatre


Fire

Minnesota State Fire Code
Religious Ceremonies and Theatrical Performances:

Candles and other open-flame devices are allowed in religious ceremonies and theatrical performances when adequate safeguards have been taken, such as:
Lighted candles should only be used by persons 15 years of age and older.
A device should be provided to protect hands from melting wax.
Lighted candles should not be tilted to light another candle.
Lighted candles should be kept away from easily ignited materials. Particular attention should be paid to clothing that could be easily ignited.
Persons should remain stationary with lighted candles.
Other reasonable safeguards deemed necessary by the code official.



Art of Dining
Richard Durst, Scenic Designer
Minnesota Repertory Theatre

 Visible flames in fireplace - gelled MR16s, flamed-shaped colored silk, fans

More from Minnion's Web


 Limited space?
FS-2 fluorescent starters wired in series with low wattage lamps


Romantic Comedy
Roger Anderson, Scenic Designer
Minnesota Repertory Theatre

Fluorescent Starter Diagram

 


Romantic Comedy

Fireplace Close-up


 


Getting Out
Brenda Kiefer, Scenic Designer
Indiana University Theatre

 


Getting Out

Fire in Jail Cell using FS2 Fluorescent Starters


Flicker Effect with a DC Power Source

Other Flicker Techniques
Other



  Actual Flames


Hamlet
Jan Zabinski, Scenic Designer
Illinois Shakespeare Festival

Fire Effect Using Automobile Signal Indicators

 
 
Multiple Effects


The Father
Treva Reimer, Scenic Designer
Indiana University Theatre

 


The Father
Light source from within table - standard household lamp with metal reflector
-

 

 


The Father
Hurricane lamp with wooden base and fiberglas shade

 

 


The Father
Lamp base detail showing electrical contacts

 

 


The Father
Electronic circuitry using DC capacitor and variable resistor

 

 


The Father
Lamp being thrown

 

 


The Father
Lamp explosion - in floor charge using Hercules Red Dot gun powder