Recent content by MPowers

I have also used lens-less 8” fresnels as both a linnenbach projector and a shadow projector as the OP would like to do. I do not believe that multiple sources will work unless carefully masked to prevent overlap, or multiple shadows from a single dancer will result. OTOH, a single source will...

I’m not sure how to reply to a statement tacked onto my post as opposed to a separate post following my original post. The statement read:“Personally, one thing I would love to see come out of this is a guidebook for High Schools to be able to perform this safely...

Just as a follow-up to this discussion. In response to the huge, immediate industry-wide response to this incident, ESTA has formed a new commission to work on weapons safety and enforcement in the entertainment industry. I am proud to be one of the founding members. We have membership...

I agree with you 100% on your statement “We really do not want to trust actors with gun safety too.” As a producer though, different story. As for Hannah Reed, I feel that, due to her age and inexperience, she is also a victim in this incident. HOWEVER, that said, I still believe charges are...

Steve, great article. Thanks for the update!

Got it printed an filled out. I’ll mail it tomorrow. Thanks!

I have worked as an armorer since 1975. Shows from student to AEA to summer stock and more, including one live, very large cast, summer pageant with a nightly firing of 120 rounds of black powder, two three pound cannon shots and five four inch mortar shots. My most recent show closed last...

Thank you for posting this. I certainly will apply for this commission.

Ted, thanks for one of the most complete and concise answers to a question I have ever received on C.B. I have, without knowing the history or derivation of these sheaves, used and seen them used many times over the years. The shaping process used in the initial forming sounds exciting. I...

Back to my original Q. What is the manufacturing pros for the “spun steel” blocks? How do they compare with today’s Nylotron blocks?

Ummmm! You don’t use a double boiler for casein. A double boiler or glue pot is used for dry pigment paint where you have to heat the dry glue and water to make the binder called “size water”. Casein IS the binder in casein paint and is already liquid, so doesn’t need any cooking. Dry...

In all the hemp houses I have worked over the years, and there have been a few, we always had a method of overhauling to take loads or lift the bags, for a short time while bags were added or taken off or repositioned. More often than not it was simply block and fall, at some of the larger...

Ted, would you be so kind as to describe the manufacturing process of the “spun steel” blocks you mention? What kind of bearings did they have? You also said they were the best blocks you knew. How do they compare with today’s Nylotron blocks?

This is indeed a “Trim Clamp “. It is intended for a 3-line “hemp” line set. In the late 1800’s and early 20th century, many stages had 30’-0” proscenium openings, so 30’ - 35’ wood battens were common and a three line set was sufficient. The picture is looking at it upside down, the sand bag...

Having a cyc in a black box can be lit as several have already discussed. What hasn’t been discussed is how to handle, treat, and store said cyc. During the last 60 years I have seen some great solutions and some epic fails. Because one of the primary bonus points to a black box is the...