Nadine Charlsen
Scene Design Commission

The Scene Design Commission presented a round table at the 2006 Conference & Stage Expo in Louisville called Great Stuff Not Made for Us. The focus of the discussion was to share the use of materials not originally made for the theatre. Most materials used in the theatre are probably adapted from other uses. Many products are so commonplace that it is easy to forget they weren't originally developed for theatrical use. Here are some of the products and, when necessary the source, that were presented at the session.

Product: "Orange" Foam Insulation
Use: For carved surfaces.
Description: It is a fine, sand grain Styrofoam that cuts detail with a butter knife. It can be ordered in 4-inch 4 by 8 sheets and blocks of special order sizes. It can be coated with any of the coatings for Styrofoam from theatrical companies.
Source: Insulation Materials Corp., South Plainfield, New Jersey, 908-753-0220; Baltimore, Maryland, 410-644-5357; New York, 800-221-1017.
Credit: Nadine Charlsen.

To Top

Product: Silver Roofing Caulk (in tubes)
Use: Makes great leaded lines on Plexiglass for leaded glass windows.
Description: When the full size cartoon for the design is drawn on paper, the Plexiglass is laid on top of the paper and the caulking gun can squeeze out the "leaded" lines by simply tracing over the lines on the paper. The thickness of the lines will be determined by how the nozzle on the tube of caulking is cut. The effect seems to work best when the caulking lines are placed on the onstage side of the window.
Source: A roofing company or possible a lumber yard/hardware store.
Credit: Daryl M. Wedwick, Southern University, Baton Rough, Louisiana.

To Top

Product: Styrofoam pellets (beanbag refills)
Use: Stuff fat rolls and tummy pouches made of muslin.
Description: They shift around and adapt to clothing nicely. It makes for a lightweight, relatively cool and washer/dryer friendly fat pad that stays the same shape. Best for fully clothed fat pads or small sections (adding bosom, gut, back rolls). You may need to add some plastic pellets to add weight.
Source: Any store that stocks Styrofoam pellets.
Credit: Cathy Fritsch, draper, Indiana Repertory Theatre.

To Top

Product: Ceiling fan
Use: Used on its side for a practical windmill in Oklahoma. Use the cheap kind without any lighting fixture on it. Cut the blades down, then attached rings and additional blades for the final version.
Source: Any store that carries ceiling fans.
Credit: Steve Moger, Tenafly High School.

Product: 16-foot cardboard tubes.
Use: Spanish roof tiles.
Description: Cut on the band saw and "Fastac" together. (Probably needs a flat surface underneath.)
Source: Carpet stores.
Credit: Volunteered at the round table.

To Top

Product: Hula-hoops.
Use: To make dragon costumes.
Source: Any toy store that carries hula-hoops.
Credit: Volunteered at the round table.

To Top

Product: Radiator Grill
Use: Homemade gobos
Description: Cut custom gobos for $12 to $15. Clean thoroughly before use.
Source: Auto supply or auto repair shop.
Credit: Volunteered at the round table.

Send product information to Nadine Charlsen, and over the next few Sightlines issues some of the innovative ideas will be distributed. Contact information is: 344 W. 49th Street #2D, New York, NY 10019, or nadinelc@nyc.rr.com.

To Top