Hi all,

This may sound quite ambitious but I wondered if anyone had had any experience with using pyrotechnics within a puppet show. For example, like in a panto where a fairy enters and you get a mini bang and a sparkle shower or flash?

I'm looking for a solution that is safe and has the same effect and can be easily controlled.

Ham

I should add that this would be within a marionette theatre so would need to be smaller scale than a regular theatre size.

Ham

Do you have a magic shop around you?  There is a product called flash paper.  It can be set off with flame, spark or heat.  A lot of magic shops have small "flash pots" which are really just a small piece of metal tubing set in a base with a sparker or heating element in the bottom.  You put the flash paper in it and then when it is set of you get a flash. They also have flash powder and that can be used in them. Have a look at this site for examples of what I am talking about. http://www.theatrefx.com/flash-paper-flash-cotton-flash-string.html

They have some of the smaller devices on their site also. Both hand held and floor mount. http://www.theatrefx.com/flash-devices.html

Something to remember though that you might have to get a license to get some of these things depending on what state you are in.

A pyro-effect on stage - very similar to that you can buy at a magic shop:


Fog-machine and lights from below: