Fun
FAQs & Helpful Hints
Short
& Sweet: Spark Ejectors
This
week, I'd like to briefly discuss some of the basics of working
with the Spark Ejectors. The Spark Ejector is a hand-held device
that has been very popular with haunted houses and other horror-themed
productions. The reason for this is simple, if you're trying to
create the illusion of a person being electrocuted, nothing is quite
as convicing as sparks actually shooting out of the victim.
To create an "electric chair" electrocution, it's best
to buy a pair of Spark Ejectors and have the performer wear one
in each hand. The ejectors are loaded with a small amount of Flash
Cotton (which acts as a primer) and a piece of Flash Paper loaded
with Electric Sparkle Additive. People often ask if the paper will
fall out when the Spark Ejectors are inverted, as they are in this
effect. In fact, if one uses a piece of Flash Paper the size that
we recommend, there should be no chance of that happening. A 2"
wide by 4" long piece of paper, folded accordion-style as described
in the directions, will fit quite snugly inside the chamber of the
Flash Ejector. Even if the performer is waving his arms about wildly,
there should be little chance that the paper will come out.
The same basic rules that apply to all of our handheld devices apply
to the Spark Ejectors as well, namely
- NEVER fire a handheld device at people, animals or other flammable
objects.
- ALWAYS remove the glo-plug clip before loading the device.
- NEVER, EVER try to use Flash Powder in a handheld device -- serious
injury WILL result.
- When using Flash Cotton as a primer, don't overdo it. If you're
shooting unlit wads of paper instead of magical flames, you're using
too much cotton.
- When using Sparkle Additive, be aware that some hot sparks may
land on the floor. Be careful when using on carpet.
- If the effect is critical to your performance, use a fresh battery
for EVERY show.
- ALWAYS have spare glo-plugs on hand for emergencies.
Keep these tips in mind when working with your Spark Ejectors. I'd
like to add one final thought that I think is appropriate for this
time of year. Don't wait until the last minute to order your effects.
If you allow a week or two to rehearse with your product, you'll
have a better understanding of how the device works, which can only
lead to a better overall performance.
*********************************************
Theatre Effects Customer Service Department
service@theatrefx.com
www.theatrefx.com
Theatre Effects, 642 Frederick St., Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: 1-800-791-7646 or 301-791-7646 Fax: 301-791-7719 *********************************************
Copyright Notice - no portion of this article may
be reproduced without written permission. You may place a link to
this page on your website provided you do not hide it within a frame
or window.
|
