Quick vanish/appear effect?

[kolyaventuri]

Hey guys,
So, I'm trying to find a way I can get an actor to very quickly vanish, or appear, from center stage. We can't put anything underneath the stage, but we can place them on platform upstage-center if needed. What do you guys think? Concealed fog machines, lighting trick? If anyone has some idea's, I'd love to hear them

Thanks in advance!

EDIT: We are flexible for ideas, and are in a smaller black-box style theatre.

 

[derekleffew]

Would blinding the audience work? http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/special-effects/6924-beauty-beast-transformation-white-out.html

 

[gafftaper]

Flashpot's are very reasonably priced and excellent looking solution, if you are in a situation where you can legally use one. Call your fire marshall and ask about the local restrictions.