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  • 1.  Light for Shadow Play

    Posted 05-02-2023 21:18

    Hello,

    I am looking for suggestions for a light source for a devised piece we are doing. We are exploring some of the images in our piece with shadow play behind the cyc. So far, the clearest and sharpest images are made with our phone light. Does anyone have any experience with this? We are looking to create shadow images with our bodies mostly.

    Many Thanks!



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    [Jenni] [Jordan]
    [Director of Theater and Dance]
    [11th Grade Coordinator]
    [Day Student Advisor]
    [Miss Hall's School]
    [Pittsfield] [MA]
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  • 2.  RE: Light for Shadow Play

    Posted 05-03-2023 06:53

    This is really dependent on multiple factors, the throw distance and amount of coverage required, if you are using the back of your CYC is it 3' off the rear wall of the stage? Or a greater distance, do you want a soft or sharp image, I would recommend playing with some of your theatrical fixtures to see what works the best for you.



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    Jerry Onik
    V.P. Theatrical Supplies and Equipment
    Heartland Scenic Studio
    NE
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Light for Shadow Play

    Posted 05-04-2023 13:40

    Hi Friend, Thank you very much for giving such nice information.



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    Soniya Nag
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Light for Shadow Play

    Posted 05-03-2023 08:10

    We worked on a shadow puppet piece with small LED high-lumen flashlights. They aren't expensive, and the type we have can zoom in and out for narrower or wider beam. The key is not looking right at them, of course!



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    Laura Butchy
    BASIS Independent McLean
    VA
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Light for Shadow Play

    Posted 05-03-2023 10:07
    I have done several shadow pieces. You have to have enough space to throw light. The best device I've used has been a short throw projector. That way you could have color and other images on your screen as well.


    Break a leg and may all your theatre seats be filled.


    Kelly Thomas


    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Light for Shadow Play

    Posted 05-04-2023 11:52

    You can really use any light source for this project-- from and elipsodial to a flashlight.  I think it would be cool to let your students decide what works best for their group, perhaps have various options available to them and see what they select.  That would be a cool process for them.



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    Michael Johnson
    Trinity High School
    NC
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Light for Shadow Play

    Posted 05-05-2023 05:33
    I made shadow theater for years. Mostly in small venues. If you've been happy with the light from your phone, you need a single-source LED flashlight. They can be quite strong, but make sure it only has one source- otherwise, you get a split, fuzzy image. Cyclorama fabric is not the most crisp fabric for a rear projection like this. If you have a rear screen projector fabric it makes a crisp image, but it is very expensive. We found that dollar store, white shower curtains (The cheap ones that tear easily) make a nice crisp image. I have often attached them to empty costume rolling racks for shows. Hope that helps. 

    --
    WTM4
    they. them. their
    Director of Theater
    US Dean of Faculty 
    Berkeley Carroll



    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Light for Shadow Play

    Posted 05-04-2023 13:40

    I have done this several times. The best solution is a single light source. If you can use some frost to disperse the light it might help. A single small table lamp with or without a shade seems to work best.



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    Ted Shonka
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    Original Message


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