Fast trap door with no fog

[ShadesOfCourt]

I am working on a production that is asking me to build a trap device that can quickly make an actor disappear into our trap room and close in less than 3 seconds. The drops happen in full view of the audience and without fog to hide the effect.

I was considering an elevator trap, but I think it would take longer than 3 seconds to complete the effect.

Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions?

 

[StewTech]

A production of Sweeny Todd I saw used a child's slide. They had a large house, about six feet in the air, and then attached a children's tunnel slide to a hole cut in the middle. They then cut out a piece of the tunnel slide, so that they could fit a hinged door that would fit flush with the stage and, when the pin was pulled, it fell open, flush with the hole in the slide. The actor then fell into the slide, and slide gracefully out the back of the house.

It worked well, or seemed to.

 

[MPowers]

Start to close in 3.....????? this is pushing the envelope for safety. It can be done but at that timing, and with safety interlocks and such, it won't be cheap.

What happens on the section of floor that is trapped before and after the gag?
How large an area of floor space are you able to dedicate?
Is the person a stunt-person or untrained talent?

Things to consider:

How to secure and lock the trap before and after the gag.
How to prevent the trap from closing too soon if talent is not clear.
How to prevent the trap from opening if talent is not on their mark.
Training and eduction of talent to fall and land safely.
Provide safe and stable landing area/pad/mat suitable for fall distance.
Adequately pad an secure all possible impact surfaces in the landing area.
Provide adequate number and skill level of safety personnel in the landing area.
Advise and consult any and all unions with jurisdiction.
Consult producing organization's insurance carrier.

How are you thinking of rigging the trap?
Hinged, single panel
Hinged double panel
Drop and slide single panel
Drop and slide double panel?

Not many answers yet, lots of questions.