Pollen to blow in actor's face

Looking for ideas of something that can be seen by the audience when the love juice from the flower (Midsummer) is blown into the face of Lysander, Demetrius and Titania. I am concerned about clean-up on stage and costumes for glitter (basically, I never touch the stuff) and would love a better idea. Thanks!
 
Metallic confetti. Basically glitter, but larger and easier to clean up. For dramatic effect, also easier to see from the back row. Something like flour isn't bad either and under the right lighting hangs in the air a moment before dissipating.

It's Midsummer though, so whatever you do should probably be fantastical. Or do nothing and make sure the gestures speak for themselves.

My personal opinion is that Shakespeare is done best when it's articulate, projected, and acted with expression. It doesn't have to show everything and it's better when it doesn't, but what it does show should be there for a reason and not be half-assed. Go big or go let the acting stand on its own.
 
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How about sawdust? Most everyone has a ton of that lying around, and it's easily cleaned. Drawback is it will absorb moisture from flower's hand.
 
Any airborne particulate is going to be a problem for somebody, either the cleanup crew, the actor getting a faceful of crud, costumes, or the audience. Smoke-in-a-Can might be the least offensive solution.
In the good old days we'd expect the actors to convey getting sprayed by acting like they'd been sprayed instead of relying on cheesy gimmicks. :angryoldman:
 
Do not use Glitter of any kind. Even large pieces of confetti type glitter. All of it has sharp edges, if it gets into an actors eye it will slice the crap out of the cornea and sclera and could lead to permanent scarring.

The most Hypo Allergenic 'Powder' you can use is Rye Flower. You will see I recommend it a lot for any kind of smoke or dust effects. I came to that after a LONG time of research and contact with various health authorities and Actors Equity.
 
Be cautious of any particulate. Airborne particulate can be an explosive combustion hazard. That's just a matter of simple physics. I'd go with the over-acted and over-reacted approach. Safest, and you don't have to worry about seeing the effect.

Not to mention this reduces any kind of inhalation hazard, real or perceived.
 
I remember back when I had the unfortunate role of playing Francis Flute in this play... Interesting memories.

One alternative to what other people have mentioned is to use fake flower pedals. Doesn't quite have the same appeal in words, but it does have some perks. Choice of color, size, and the pieces will typically fall to the ground soon after being dispersed. No lingering powder, and easy enough for a single crew member to take care of.
 
I remember back when I had the unfortunate role of playing Francis Flute in this play... Interesting memories.

One alternative to what other people have mentioned is to use fake flower pedals. Doesn't quite have the same appeal in words, but it does have some perks. Choice of color, size, and the pieces will typically fall to the ground soon after being dispersed. No lingering powder, and easy enough for a single crew member to take care of.
Petals maybe but you don't often see flowers with "pedals". Come to think of it, I have seen flower peddlers.
(I suspect a married crew member could gather petals as well as a "single crew member".
Toodleoo!
Ron Hebbard.
 

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