Pyrotechnics
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Any chance of using some Pyrotechnics in the BT?
Pyrotechnics have been used in the BT before, in 'DOM' (TT05). It is obviously therefore possible, but you need to give a fair amount of advance warning to the venue (so that the fire officer can be informed - he will probably want to visit sometime during the tech rehearsal to make sure all is ok). You or the venue will also have to complete a risk assessment for the effect/situation. Risk assessments are important as they demonstrate that you have thought about what you are doing, and how you can minimize the risk to performers, audience and property. There is an entry on Risk Assessments elsewhere on the TAFF FAQ, and the venue SHOULD be able to assist if needed.
Pyrotechnics can be bought from Lancelyn but I'd strongly advise ordering in advance if you need a particular effect (they did not have any Robotics the last time I went there, and strangely I can't find them in their catalogue - although I have purchased them from there before). They can also be purchased from Stage Electrics who should usually always have them in stock. The cost for pyros is generally the same wherever you buy them - £50+VAT in this case per box of 12, but Stage Electrics will charge approx £10 delivery. In an ideal situation you may be able to order through the Playhouse (they get a discount at Stage Electrics). Besides the items themselves, you will also need a firing device and a cable to connect the pyro to it. These Robotics have bare wires to connect to so you will need a cable ending in bare end (no plug) and a 'chocolate block' to connect they pyro. The Playhouse have all this equipment so it would be worth trying to talk to them (through the BT if necessary), otherwise you will need to hire it in - Startech hire a 2 way controller and cable for £7.50.
Finally I should mention location and safety precautions. Robotics, as all pyros, are dangerous. In particular they have a hot fallout and are therefore quite capable of burning people, set etc! I would strongly recommend that the surface on which the pyro is located is covered in thin metal (eg foil from a pie tin...) which could then be painted. This would stop the set getting scorched (it will need to be repainted each night though). On top of that ALL set, props and potentially costumes if the cast are on stage and nearby should be flamechecked; not just sprayed with Flamecheck, but actually checked to ensure they self-extinguish rapidly (flamecheck doesn't always work). Safety distances are always difficult and I would say you want a minimum of 6ft between pyro and audience. This should be possible if the pyro is towards the USR or USL corner or even USC (assuming standard seating in the BT). You can potentially get away with less to the actor/actress themselves, especially if there can be some object between them, although I would say 1m is the absolute minimum even with an obstacle.
All pyros should be operated by a responsible person: the same person each night, and from a point with direct line of sight to the pyro and its near vicinity. This person should have experience of using pyros before (or at least some basic training). TAFF did organise a professionally taught pyro workshop a year or so ago to which a good number of people attended.
A number of specific rehearsals in the venue will also be required. The way I generally do this is -
1) Set up the equipment and check everything is flame proof etc. and then test fire one pyro when only the minimal crew/cast are present (even preferably no cast). Check that all works ok and that the effect will work (and safety distances are reasonable).
2) Demonstrate the pyro again with full cast and crew in attendance, preferably preceded by a brief description of what to expect.
3) Run through the part of the scene in which the pyro occurs with the operator shouting 'bang' instead of actually firing the pyro, and make sure everyone is happy with the process, blocking and timing.
4) Finally run through the part of the scene and fire the pyro (assuming it’s safe etc). Potentially repeat this if required.
5) Run dress rehearsals as a proper show, with pyro, as always assuming it is safe to fire.
Obviously all of the above is only my opinion. I have used pyrotechnics many times before, but I am not a professional pyrotechnician and can't promise to be aware of all legal requirements or best practices. If in any doubt then I would recommend asking advice from a professional. With the BT you are fortunate there are such staff, especially thanks to its connection with the Playhouse. Rob is unlikely to be able to give you such advice, but I am sure Tim, Zeb or Ash will be able and more than happy to.
Alex Prideaux, October 2006
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