Upstage Window in Mousetrap

[AtlanticSmith]

So, I'm mounting Agatha Christie's Mousetrap this season, and I'm looking for an inexpensive and safe way to make the window upstage center. I want there to be something in the frame so I can add a fan upstage to blow the curtains around. But I am stumpped on what material to use.

I thought of using an iron-on model plane skinning material, such as Solarfilm, but I can't find any that is transparent. I saw THE production in London just this past week, and they had a translucent glass with painted detail, but I would be happy with a cellophane, but I'm afraid it will ripple when the window is opened, or when the fan is on.

Thoughts?

 

[sk8rsdad]

Heatshrink window insulation? It's pretty easy to come by in my climate.

I'm not sure I understand why the fan creates a need for the window to need something in the frame. Is it a cue timing issue? If so, a stagehand can make a gust of wind by flapping a board.

 

[AtlanticSmith]

Heatshrink window insulation? It's pretty easy to come by in my climate.

I'm not sure I understand why the fan creates a need for the window to need something in the frame. Is it a cue timing issue? If so, a stagehand can make a gust of wind by flapping a board.

I'm thinking that the fan could come on prior to the widow opening and spin up, and opening the frame would allow for realistic timing. Flapping a board would be alright, but there is a blizzard and the window is left open for an extended length of time.

 

[bobgaggle]

I always thought it would be cool to run some pvc up inside the window trim. drill a bunch of small holes in the window trim through the pipe and hook up a fan or compressor to the pipe offstage. Never had a need to do this but in my mind its a good way to get the curtains blowing while leaving the window unobstructed for the action

 

[kicknargel]

+1 for heat shrink window film. Also available on Amazon:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AXON8C/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Of course it will not be as rigid as glass, if anything provides a little shake. Another method is to use shiny aluminum window screen, then dry brush black paint over most of it, leaving a few "glare" streaks.

 

[AtlanticSmith]

That would work.

I would like the snow to be able to "drift" on to the window mullions, which again needs an actual pane in the frame.

 

[gafftaper]

The heat shrink window film works great... Often too great. Depending on the location and angles, you can get a nasty reflection into the audience. I prefer to use silver screen door material for glass. It's not perfect, but it looks a lot like glass if you don't think about it too much. You can see through it mostly, and there's no chance of massive glare.