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  • 1.  Stage blood that doesn't fade to pink?

    Posted 07-05-2023 11:12

    Hi,

    Can anyone suggest a type of stage blood that doesn't turn pink and look very un-bloodlike after a few minutes? I've been using Ben Nye stage blood zesty mint flavor and it looks great when it's first applied, but within a few minutes it turns pink and looks pretty stupid. Can anyone suggest something that looks good to start with and keeps looking good for a while?

    Also I'm trying to find a few theater related forums to post to. Can anyone suggest some other good ones, if that's not inappropriate to ask about here?

    Thanks for any help!

    David

    Maine, USA



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    David Harrison
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  • 2.  RE: Stage blood that doesn't fade to pink?

    Posted 07-06-2023 15:58

    I've never used commercial stage blood in a show.  I teach my students how to make it themselves, and they have a lot of fun with it.  I never have trouble recruiting a prop crew for a show that uses blood!  (Most recent experience: The Women of Lockerbie, this past school year.)

    It's just a mix of red food coloring and chocolate syrup.  The food coloring alone is too bright and too clear to make believable "blood," so adding a little bit of chocolate syrup darkens it and makes it opaque.  A little experimenting quickly gets the proportions right.

    The base differs, depending on two things.  If any actors are going to have to get any of the blood into their mouths, we use clear corn syrup.  That way, all of the ingredients are safe food products.  On the other hand, if the blood is going to get on clothes, we use clear dishwashing liquid.  That way, the moment the "blood" hits the fabric, you're essentially pre-treating the clothing for laundering afterward.  The "blood" doesn't set as a hard-to-wash stain.  Just wash the piece normally after the show, and it's ready for the next performance.



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    Jeff Grove
    Theatre Teacher, Aesthetics Department Chair
    Stanton College Prep
    FL
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  • 3.  RE: Stage blood that doesn't fade to pink?

    Posted 07-07-2023 13:32

    I used Linda Veneris' recipe for stage blood when we did the Scottish play.  It was very realistic. 

    I ended up giving the "blood" that was left after the show to our SRO for use in staged wrecks to discourage drinking on prom night.

    Here is a link to Linda's article in Dramatics magazine:  https://dramatics.org/blood-and-guts/



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    CJ Breland
    Retired Theatre Arts Educator
    NC
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  • 4.  RE: Stage blood that doesn't fade to pink?

    Posted 07-07-2023 15:40
    Edited by Linda Veneris 07-07-2023 15:43

    Thanks CJ!! Glad it was helpful!! 

    Small plug in case anyone is looking for this topic as a workshop! I've taught it many years at ITF and Jr. ITF, as well as a few states’ festivals! Lmk if you'd like me to visit for a Bloody Good Show! We can work out travel and artist stipend depending on where you are!
    email: Linda.veneris@gmail.com. 



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    Linda Veneris
    NC
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Stage blood that doesn't fade to pink?

    Posted 07-12-2023 14:15

    I've only used "homemade" blood after having issues with the purchased kind

    From a friend who has been in "B" horror movies as the "blonde scream queen": Hershey's chocolate syrup and red cake color (the gel stuff they sell in the jar at Walmart in the craft aisle). It's edible (and delicious). The one issue is that the cake color can cause staining. She told me the cast had issues "eating" the blood between takes. 

    I've also done Kyro syrup, clear dishwashing liquid, a tablespoon of red food coloring and a few drops of blue food coloring for blood. This USUALLY will wash out (worked really well in Sweeney Todd). However  it will NOT get out of anything white. 

    Hope that helps! 



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    Dr. Doug Erwin
    Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair--St Louis Priory School
    Thespian Troupe 4702
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