Non-Violent Slapstick Weapons

Catherder

Well-Known Member
‘Sup Hive Mind. I’m looking for any ideas folks have for non-violent slapstick style weapons. We’re doing Pan (No diy flying, thank you jeebus), and the director wants to make the big final rumble between the losties and the pirates more goofy and slapstick than traditional sword fight. Think Home Alone, Hook, etc. Super Soaker of paint, the ol’ glue and feathers gag.

So I need a few different idea for comedic pratfall violence that are fairly easy to pull off (children’s theater), not super subtle (big chaotic scene) and above all in no way shape or form going to hurt anyone involved. And no glitter. I have a few ideas percolating but thought this could be a fun project for the Booth.
 
Whatever you do, if pool noodles are out of season, Pipe insulation is available year round (same stuff but black) So not traditional swords, but safe swords, Pugil sticks ( or as Daffy duck said.. he has a buck and a quarter quarterstaff) Giant foam sledge hammer, Nerf ball "cannon balls" thrown from offstage with appropriate sound effect. carved rigid foam anchor (ouch that's gonna hurt) carved foam anvil dropped on a foot. light plastic chains to wrap someone up and pull them offstage as captive. Trident stolen from a mer person, flaming torches (mylar or cloth for flame) oh and must have the large black bomb with fuse of burning mylar to pass around like a hot potato during the whole thing.
 
How about someone with a Big, foam Boxing glove(s)?
 
How can you forget clown classics like Cream Pies and 'Bang' guns?

Once disarmed they can resort to 3 Stooges hand slaps, wiggles and other movements. You might skip the eye poke thing for safety. For that matter any insult gesture might be good. Detailed research required!

'Gas' attacks, front or back and the opponent faints. Sound effects really help.

'Stupifing Jones' hip bump if not too adult. Perhaps a female pirate...
 
Nothing wrong with a sock with a tennis ball in it. You just have to be careful no one puts anything hard in there. If you use pantyhose they stretch WAY out there.
 
Thanks all - this feels more like a props thing than a special effects thing at this point - which actually makes my life easier. In my brain I was overcomplicating this a bit, I think. There is enough meat here that between your awesome suggestions and some additional brainstorming with the director and props team we should be able to come up with enough zany stuff.

Also the big boxing glove on an extendable arm bit.

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Thanks all - this feels more like a props thing than a special effects thing at this point - which actually makes my life easier. In my brain I was overcomplicating this a bit, I think. There is enough meat here that between your awesome suggestions and some additional brainstorming with the director and props team we should be able to come up with enough zany stuff.

Also the big boxing glove on an extendable arm bit.

View attachment 23898
@Catherder Don't forget telephones that spurt water out their mouthpieces.
Toodleoo!
Ron Hebbard
 
We did a production of Romeo and Juliet years ago. The fight choreographer used a large styrofoam hardened loaf of bread and a fake hard salami in the opening fight in the city. It was a good addition. Even a cheese wheel could be used in a defensive posture if they are "found" objects on the ship or the the boys lair.

~Dave
 
Whatever you do, if pool noodles are out of season, Pipe insulation is available year round (same stuff but black) So not traditional swords, but safe swords, Pugil sticks ( or as Daffy duck said.. he has a buck and a quarter quarterstaff) Giant foam sledge hammer, Nerf ball "cannon balls" thrown from offstage with appropriate sound effect. carved rigid foam anchor (ouch that's gonna hurt) carved foam anvil dropped on a foot. light plastic chains to wrap someone up and pull them offstage as captive. Trident stolen from a mer person, flaming torches (mylar or cloth for flame) oh and must have the large black bomb with fuse of burning mylar to pass around like a hot potato during the whole thing.
And remember Daffy's kata for easy choreography: Ho! Ha ha! Guard! Turn! Parry! Dodge! Spin! Ha! Thrust! Sproing!
 
Not sure if your production is still forthcoming, but we have an interesting stock of "weapons" that we use for shows like this. We have a whole box full of wooden "swords" that have things on the end that can kill you, like a comically large box of cigarettes, some dynamite, a boxing glove, a bottle of poison, a banana peel, and one with a glove giving the middle finger. There is also one with grips and hilts on both ends which brings a brilliant bit of comedy when you see two swordfighters just fighting over a stick. (not all of those are appropriate for kids, but just giving you ideas) We also have a mace on a chain, but instead of a spiked ball, it has a plastic roast turkey on it.
 
Not sure if your production is still forthcoming, but we have an interesting stock of "weapons" that we use for shows like this. We have a whole box full of wooden "swords" that have things on the end that can kill you, like a comically large box of cigarettes, some dynamite, a boxing glove, a bottle of poison, a banana peel, and one with a glove giving the middle finger. There is also one with grips and hilts on both ends which brings a brilliant bit of comedy when you see two swordfighters just fighting over a stick. (not all of those are appropriate for kids, but just giving you ideas) We also have a mace on a chain, but instead of a spiked ball, it has a plastic roast turkey on it.
I've been holding out for the classic rubber chicken! So Fowl and fair a day.... /poulty putdowns ;)
 
Whatever you do, if pool noodles are out of season, Pipe insulation is available year round (same stuff but black) So not traditional swords, but safe swords, Pugil sticks ( or as Daffy duck said.. he has a buck and a quarter quarterstaff) Giant foam sledge hammer, Nerf ball "cannon balls" thrown from offstage with appropriate sound effect. carved rigid foam anchor (ouch that's gonna hurt) carved foam anvil dropped on a foot. light plastic chains to wrap someone up and pull them offstage as captive. Trident stolen from a mer person, flaming torches (mylar or cloth for flame) oh and must have the large black bomb with fuse of burning mylar to pass around like a hot potato during the whole thing.

Pool noodles are always for sale at Dollar Tree. They're a hit with the crafting crowd. (Probably not Martha Stewart though.) We also used them on constructions sights sometimes, I'll let your imagination figure out what for, but it involves an empty spackle bucket.

Camping anyone?
@Catherder Don't forget telephones that spurt water out their mouthpieces.
Toodleoo!
Ron Hebbard

Well if you got one of the original sink sprayers that comes out of a hole next to the faucet, rubber-band the trigger for your spouse's good morning wake-up call.

How about a styrofoam "Anvil" which comes out of a wood crate that has "ACME" painted on it? I was in HS metal shop when I discovered anvils aren't just for killing roadrunners.
 
Nothing wrong with a sock with a tennis ball in it. You just have to be careful no one puts anything hard in there. If you use pantyhose they stretch WAY out there.
Tennis balls are pretty heavy for swinging at people. I'd recommend 3, maybe 4 pingpong balls in the sock instead, I think.
 
In slapstick comedy, the humor often arises from exaggerated physical actions and comedic violence. While slapstick comedy traditionally involves physical and sometimes violent gags, there are also examples of non-violent slapstick comedy weapons or props that create humorous situations without causing harm. Here are a few examples:
  1. Rubber Chicken: The rubber chicken is a classic prop used in comedy routines. It's a pliable and elongated toy chicken that can be swung, twisted, or used in unexpected ways to generate laughter. Its flexibility and absurdity make it a staple of non-violent slapstick humor.
  2. Seltzer Bottle: A seltzer bottle is a pressurized water container with a nozzle that sprays water when squeezed. In slapstick comedy, characters might use seltzer bottles to playfully squirt water at each other, creating unexpected and comedic moments.
  3. Pie in the Face: The pie in the face gag involves throwing a pie or a plate filled with whipped cream at someone's face. While this can be messy, it is considered non-violent because it typically does not cause harm. The impact and messiness of the pie make it a classic slapstick visual gag.
  4. Confetti Cannon: A confetti cannon is a prop that releases a burst of colorful confetti when triggered. It is often used in comedic scenes to create a visually amusing and festive effect, adding an element of surprise and joy to the situation.
  5. Banana Peel: The banana peel slip is a classic slapstick gag where a character steps on a banana peel, causing them to comically slip and fall. While it's not a weapon per se, the banana peel is a prop that triggers a humorous and non-violent physical gag.
  6. Foam Hammer: A foam hammer is a soft, lightweight prop resembling a typical hammer. It can be used for comedic purposes, such as characters comically pretending to hit each other or themselves without causing harm.
  7. Rubber Chicken Whips: Replace traditional whips with rubber chickens attached to a flexible handle. Characters can engage in playful whip-cracking, resulting in exaggerated reactions and comedic entanglements with the rubber chickens.
  8. Oversized Prop Wrenches: Provide characters with oversized prop wrenches. They can engage in comedic "wrench fights," where they swing the wrenches at each other, but the impact is intentionally exaggerated and harmless.
These examples demonstrate that slapstick comedy can involve non-violent props and gags that generate laughter through physical humor without causing actual harm or violence.

Here are a few darker ideas for slapstick prop weapons that play on the concept of dark humor:
  1. Rubber Brick: Instead of a harmless rubber chicken, use a rubber brick as a prop. Characters can comically throw it at each other or pretend to be hit by it, creating an element of surprise and absurdity in the midst of a darker context.
  2. Silly Syringe: Create a prop syringe that sprays colorful liquid or confetti instead of actual medication. Characters can engage in humorous "injections" or pretend to administer comedic treatments, adding a twist to the typical use of medical props.
  3. Whack-a-Zombie Mallet: Design a foam or lightweight mallet with a humorous twist, such as a "Whack-a-Zombie" theme. Characters can comically swing the mallet at imaginary zombies or pretend to engage in an unconventional form of pest control.
  4. Exploding Cake: Take the classic pie in the face gag to a darker level by using an exploding cake instead. When a character unsuspectingly approaches a cake, it can explode in a cloud of confetti, creating a comedic moment with a touch of mischief.
  5. Chainsaw Balloon Animal: Combine the unexpected by creating a prop chainsaw that, instead of causing harm, creates balloon animals. Characters can engage in humorous "chainsaw" antics, pretending to cut through objects or make unconventional balloon creations.
  6. Fake Blood Squirt Gun: Incorporate a squirt gun that shoots harmless fake blood or colorful liquid instead of water. Characters can engage in playful "blood fights" or comically simulate gory scenes, subverting the expected outcome for comedic effect.
  7. Exploding Cigar: Create a prop cigar that, when "lit," produces a harmless but unexpected explosion of confetti or smoke. Characters can playfully pretend to smoke the cigar, only to be met with a comedic surprise.
  8. Dagger with a Comedic Twist: Design a prop dagger that, instead of being sharp or dangerous, has a quirky feature like a retractable blade or a silly noise-making mechanism. Characters can engage in comedic "knife fights" where the focus is on the absurdity rather than violence.
  9. Acid-Pie Launcher: Take the pie-in-the-face gag to a darker level by incorporating a prop pie launcher that shoots harmless foam pies. Characters can engage in playful "pie attacks," creating a visually amusing and unexpected twist on the traditional pie gag.
  10. TNT Balloon Bouquet: Create a prop bouquet of balloons with a twist. When the bouquet is tossed or mishandled, it produces an exaggerated comedic explosion of confetti or silly string. Characters can interact with the bouquet, triggering chaotic and amusing moments.
  11. Chainsaw with a Rubber Chain: Design a prop chainsaw with a rubber chain instead of a real one. Characters can engage in comedic chainsaw antics, pretending to cut through objects or create amusing situations with the flexible chain.
  12. Whip Cream Whip: Instead of a traditional whip, create a prop whip that squirts whipped cream. Characters can engage in playful "whip" gestures, resulting in unexpected splatters of cream and humorous reactions.
  13. Rubber Dagger Balloons: Inflate balloons shaped like menacing daggers using rubber material. Characters can engage in comedic "sword fights" using these soft and flexible balloon daggers, adding an element of absurdity to the physical comedy.
  14. Banana Peel Bomb: Create a prop banana peel that, when stepped on or triggered, releases a cloud of harmless smoke or bursts with confetti. Characters can comically slip on the banana peel, only to be met with the unexpected comedic effect.
  15. Anvil Pillow: Create a prop pillow that looks like a heavy anvil but is soft and lightweight. Characters can engage in comedic pillow fights or pretend to be struck by the anvil, resulting in exaggerated reactions and humorous physical comedy.
  16. Poisonous Balloons: Inflate balloons with humorous labels like "Giggle Gas" or "Laughing Potion." Characters can pop or burst the balloons, causing those nearby to burst into uncontrollable laughter or engage in comically exaggerated reactions.
  17. Comically Oversized Syringe: Create a prop syringe that is exaggeratedly large or has unconventional elements. Characters can engage in playful "injections" or use the syringe in unexpected ways, resulting in humorous and absurd situations.
  18. Glitter-Filled Water Gun: Modify a water gun to shoot streams of water mixed with glitter. Characters can engage in playful water fights, adding a dazzling and visually amusing element as the glitter sparkles in the water spray.
  19. Glitter-Filled Balloons: Fill balloons with a mixture of air and glitter. Characters can pop or burst the balloons, causing a shower of glitter to rain down, creating a visually striking and whimsical effect.
  20. Glittered Foam Hammer: Apply glitter to the surface of a foam hammer, creating a sparkling appearance. Characters can comically swing or pretend to strike with the hammer, leaving a trail of glitter in their wake.
  21. Glittered Rubber Chicken: Add glitter accents or a coating to a rubber chicken prop. Characters can use the glittered rubber chicken in comedic ways, such as pretending to hit or toss it, resulting in a playful explosion of sparkling glitter.
  22. Glitter-Packed Snowball: Construct snowballs filled with glitter, mimicking the appearance of real snow. Characters can engage in playful snowball fights, resulting in a dazzling display of glitter as the "snow" splatters and scatters.
  23. Glitter Spray Cans: Design prop spray cans filled with glitter instead of paint. Characters can use the cans to "paint" or spray each other, resulting in a glamorous and shimmering effect as the glitter settles on their bodies or costumes.
  24. Glittered Foam or Rubber Weapons: Apply glitter to the surface of foam or rubber weapons such as swords, mallets, or bats. Characters can engage in comedic battles, leaving a trail of glitter in their wake as they swing or strike with the glittered weapons.
  25. Glitter-Packed Balloon Sword: Fill the interior of a balloon sword with glitter before inflating it. Characters can engage in playful sword fights, resulting in bursts of sparkling glitter as the balloons pop during the comedic clashes.
  26. Glitter-Filled Pies: Instead of traditional whipped cream or custard, fill pies with glitter. Characters can throw or smash the pies, resulting in a sparkling explosion of glitter that adds a dazzling twist to the classic pie-in-the-face gag.
  27. Glitter Grenades: Create prop grenades filled with glitter. Characters can playfully toss or "detonate" the grenades, creating a glittery explosion that covers the surrounding area in sparkling brilliance.
  28. Glittered Boxing Gloves: Apply glitter to the surface of boxing gloves. Characters can engage in comical boxing matches, leaving trails of glitter in the air as they deliver exaggerated punches and playful blows.
  29. Glittered Juggling Balls: Cover juggling balls with glitter to create shimmering props. Characters can engage in comedic juggling routines, resulting in a mesmerizing display of sparkling balls as they toss and catch them.
  30. Glitter-Filled Umbrellas: Fill the interior of umbrellas with glitter. Characters can open the umbrellas, causing a shower of glitter to rain down, adding a touch of glamour and whimsy to umbrella-related slapstick routines.
  31. Glittered Soap: Coat a bar of soap with a thin layer of clear glue and sprinkle glitter on top. Leave it in a shared bathroom, and when someone tries to use it, they'll discover that it doesn't lather well but leaves behind a subtle sparkle.
  32. Glittered Shoes: Apply a thin layer of adhesive or double-sided tape to the soles of someone's shoes, and sprinkle glitter onto the sticky surface. As they walk, the glitter will leave a trail of sparkle behind them, creating a whimsical and attention-grabbing effect.
  33. Glittered Coffee Mug: Coat the inside rim or bottom of a colleague's coffee mug with a thin layer of clear glue and sprinkle glitter on it. When they take a sip, their lips or the surface of the coffee will have a subtle shimmer.
  34. Glittered Office Supplies: Gently sprinkle glitter onto items like pens, staplers, or desk organizers in someone's workspace. As they use the supplies, they'll discover a touch of sparkle, bringing a bit of whimsy to their daily routine.
  35. Glittered Hand Soap Dispenser: Apply a small amount of glue around the pump of a hand soap dispenser and sprinkle glitter on it. When someone tries to use the soap, they'll be surprised by a sprinkle of glitter on their hands.
  36. Glittered Rubber Chicken Surprise: Take a rubber chicken and carefully cut a small slit in its body or neck. Fill the cavity with a small amount of loose glitter. Seal the slit with clear adhesive or tape. Leave the glittered rubber chicken in a location where someone will come across it, such as on their desk or in their bag. When the unsuspecting person picks up the rubber chicken or squeezes it, a burst of glitter will be released from the slit, surprising them with a sparkling explosion. It adds a whimsical twist to the classic rubber chicken prop and guarantees a glittery surprise.
It's crucial to remember that the use of darker themes or props in slapstick comedy should always be approached with sensitivity and respect for the audience. Ensure that the humor remains within appropriate boundaries and does not cause genuine discomfort or offense. Remember to ensure the glitter used is safe and non-toxic, especially if it comes in contact with performers' skin, eyes, or mouths. Consider using biodegradable glitter or other environmentally friendly options to minimize any negative impact. Additionally, be mindful of cleaning up the glitter to avoid leaving a trail of sparkle that may be challenging to remove or may cause slips or falls.
 
In slapstick comedy, the humor often arises from exaggerated physical actions and comedic violence. While slapstick comedy traditionally involves physical and sometimes violent gags, there are also examples of non-violent slapstick comedy weapons or props that create humorous situations without causing harm. Here are a few examples:

[ .. ]

Remember to ensure the glitter used is safe and non-toxic, especially if it comes in contact with performers' skin, eyes, or mouths. Consider using biodegradable glitter or other environmentally friendly options to minimize any negative impact. Additionally, be mindful of cleaning up the glitter to avoid leaving a trail of sparkle that may be challenging to remove or may cause slips or falls.
Glitter is in our rental book, under the heading "Things you may not bring into our theatre without advance written permission from the theatre manager.

Also hay.
 

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