Open Forum

As you probably know, we cannot buy fake guns in CA from any online source, even if that source, like Walmart, sells them in stores elsewhere. In the LA area, stores do not carry toy guns, "especially cap pistols," one employee told me. 
While I agree with this policy, it creates a few challenges for a few shows. Namely, our Spring 2020 Production of Chicago. I would like to use a cap gun on stage rather than sound effect if possible. So I thought I would reach out and ask what others may have done in a similar situation... ideas? Thank you in advance.

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Jason Hayes
Teacher
LAUSD
North Hills CA
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http://www.theatrefx.com/blank-pistols.html

I have use these for our plays for many years.

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Robert Rotenberry
Theatre Chair
Long Beach CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-27-2019 13:51
From: Jason Hayes
Subject: Finding a cap gun and caps...

As you probably know, we cannot buy fake guns in CA from any online source, even if that source, like Walmart, sells them in stores elsewhere. In the LA area, stores do not carry toy guns, "especially cap pistols," one employee told me.
While I agree with this policy, it creates a few challenges for a few shows. Namely, our Spring 2020 Production of Chicago. I would like to use a cap gun on stage rather than sound effect if possible. So I thought I would reach out and ask what others may have done in a similar situation... ideas? Thank you in advance.

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Jason Hayes
Teacher
LAUSD
North Hills CA
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Hi Jason,
I totally understand the cap gun conundrum. When we did West Side, we connected with the athletic department and we borrowed a starter pistol for the track meets. It was very effective. Just a thought.
Jim

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James Fry
Director of Student Life and the Malvern Theatre Society
Malvern, PA
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-27-2019 13:51
From: Jason Hayes
Subject: Finding a cap gun and caps...

As you probably know, we cannot buy fake guns in CA from any online source, even if that source, like Walmart, sells them in stores elsewhere. In the LA area, stores do not carry toy guns, "especially cap pistols," one employee told me.
While I agree with this policy, it creates a few challenges for a few shows. Namely, our Spring 2020 Production of Chicago. I would like to use a cap gun on stage rather than sound effect if possible. So I thought I would reach out and ask what others may have done in a similar situation... ideas? Thank you in advance.

------------------------------
Jason Hayes
Teacher
LAUSD
North Hills CA
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Jason, you can get those cap guns in Long Beach or Santa Ana, if you're willing to drive down. You have to hunt around a bit, but for some reason, the smaller "bodegas" or tiny convenience stores in the lower-income areas carry them. It sounds bizarre, I know, but I've seen them! I'd be surprised if the same types of bodegas in LA didn't have them. My daughter is a sprinter and I just bought a couple of them last fall, at a similar kind of store.

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John Glass
Playwright, co-founder of Student Plays
Teacher and Playwright
Newport Beach CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-27-2019 13:51
From: Jason Hayes
Subject: Finding a cap gun and caps...

As you probably know, we cannot buy fake guns in CA from any online source, even if that source, like Walmart, sells them in stores elsewhere. In the LA area, stores do not carry toy guns, "especially cap pistols," one employee told me.
While I agree with this policy, it creates a few challenges for a few shows. Namely, our Spring 2020 Production of Chicago. I would like to use a cap gun on stage rather than sound effect if possible. So I thought I would reach out and ask what others may have done in a similar situation... ideas? Thank you in advance.

------------------------------
Jason Hayes
Teacher
LAUSD
North Hills CA
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Search "Prop Gun Rental" online and you find many resources for great quality props.  Just be sure you have a complete safety program in place and meet with your administrators and local law enforcement about it so they know when, where, and what kind of props you will have.  Assure them that the props are to be locked-down when not in use and that no-one will touch them except the property master and the performers that actually use them.  For all intents and purposes, treat them as if they are actual loaded weapons.

Conduct separate rehearsals with only the actors involved in the scene present so they get comfortable with handling the props before you introduce them into the general rehearsal.

Have a zero tolerance policy for anyone not authorized to touch the props. One touch, out they go!  No excuses.  No exceptions.

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Erich Friend
Theatre Consultant
Teqniqal Systems
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-27-2019 13:51
From: Jason Hayes
Subject: Finding a cap gun and caps...

As you probably know, we cannot buy fake guns in CA from any online source, even if that source, like Walmart, sells them in stores elsewhere. In the LA area, stores do not carry toy guns, "especially cap pistols," one employee told me.
While I agree with this policy, it creates a few challenges for a few shows. Namely, our Spring 2020 Production of Chicago. I would like to use a cap gun on stage rather than sound effect if possible. So I thought I would reach out and ask what others may have done in a similar situation... ideas? Thank you in advance.

------------------------------
Jason Hayes
Teacher
LAUSD
North Hills CA
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