How To Choose Your Lighting and Backdrops
Lighting and Backdrops
Ok, so now you have the props, how do you set the stage with regards to lighting and backdrops? The use of special lighting and backdrops will depend upon what type of thread you are using and your venue conditions, every situation is different. If you are using my Ultimate Dancing Hank or wPTS, you will need to be more aware of lighting and backdrop issues because of the thicker thread that it uses. For example, if you are using the Ultimate Dancing Hank on stage and you are doing the bottle move, you will need to hide the thread the distance from you to the bottle and while it is dancing in the bottle. This is because when the hanky flies out, it will cross the stage for a short distance being pulled only by the thread. In many instances, when I am using the Ultimate Dancing Hank in a small space, I simply take out the bottle move which eliminates the need for a backdrop. However, when you are on stage you will want to do this move because it is very effective for a large audience.
Which Hanky items need a backdrop?
As mentioned above, the Ultimate Dancing Hank would need a backdrop if you do the "bottle move". The wPTS would need a backdrop if you have it fly across the stage. The Ultra Hank, the Extreme Hanky, the Impossible Hank, and the Animation Sensation do not normally need backdrops.
What types of backdrop fabrics are best?
I have found that using a “NuLash” or “Mylar” type back drop is the best for this and I also suggest using a Blue or Red color. I use the Royal Blue INFINITY NU-LASH material. Also make sure that when you design your backdrop with the Nu-Lash that you use extra fabric so that you get a “pleated” effect. You do not want the fabric to lay flat on your backdrop stands. I would not suggest using a black backdrop, however, again it will depend upon the theater set up. I remember one time in all my performances that I was able to use a black velvet type backdrop that the theater had already put up. The conditions just happened to be perfect to use it, but that was a rare occasion! Watch this video for some of my best tips and you will find several links below the video.
Ok, so now you have the props, how do you set the stage with regards to lighting and backdrops? The use of special lighting and backdrops will depend upon what type of thread you are using and your venue conditions, every situation is different. If you are using my Ultimate Dancing Hank or wPTS, you will need to be more aware of lighting and backdrop issues because of the thicker thread that it uses. For example, if you are using the Ultimate Dancing Hank on stage and you are doing the bottle move, you will need to hide the thread the distance from you to the bottle and while it is dancing in the bottle. This is because when the hanky flies out, it will cross the stage for a short distance being pulled only by the thread. In many instances, when I am using the Ultimate Dancing Hank in a small space, I simply take out the bottle move which eliminates the need for a backdrop. However, when you are on stage you will want to do this move because it is very effective for a large audience.
Which Hanky items need a backdrop?
As mentioned above, the Ultimate Dancing Hank would need a backdrop if you do the "bottle move". The wPTS would need a backdrop if you have it fly across the stage. The Ultra Hank, the Extreme Hanky, the Impossible Hank, and the Animation Sensation do not normally need backdrops.
What types of backdrop fabrics are best?
I have found that using a “NuLash” or “Mylar” type back drop is the best for this and I also suggest using a Blue or Red color. I use the Royal Blue INFINITY NU-LASH material. Also make sure that when you design your backdrop with the Nu-Lash that you use extra fabric so that you get a “pleated” effect. You do not want the fabric to lay flat on your backdrop stands. I would not suggest using a black backdrop, however, again it will depend upon the theater set up. I remember one time in all my performances that I was able to use a black velvet type backdrop that the theater had already put up. The conditions just happened to be perfect to use it, but that was a rare occasion! Watch this video for some of my best tips and you will find several links below the video.
To find the Nu-Lash fabric you can contact Rudy Sanchez through his Facebook page.
For a complete backdrop system with stands, I would highly recommend contacting Jeff Jones. Be sure to tell him you want the Nu-Lash insert. He can also make you anything custom that you want. Be sure to visit his web site and watch the Joel Bauer Testimonial, he explains exactly how the backdrops work and it is amazing! You can also see his Nu-Lash Fabric on his Web Site.
What about Backdrop Stands?
To hold your backdrop, there are several options. Spider Backdrops are very easy to use and lightweight, but they can be a bit expensive. You can also find them at Steven's Magic.
Another style Backdrop stand is available at Impact Popup Displays.
You can also use photography backdrop stands.
Abbott's Magic offers a backdrop stand. This is the stand I started with and used it for many years!
You can even make your own backdrop! Tate Elliot shows you how!
Now What About Lighting?
You may think that if you are using thread, you will need to turn the lights way down on the stage. Fortunately, I have found this is totally not necessary! If you use the wPTS on stage and you perform the Ralph Adams version, where the Hankies are jumping in and out of the bottle, then you need standard Dancing Hanky lighting, but not dark like Blackstone. His stage was really dark. I believe he did that to hide the string and also to set the mood. When I use PTS or Ultimate Dancing Hank onstage with the Nu-Lash material, the lighting is mostly normal and the stage can be very bright as long as you have a light focused directly on your backdrop. I have found that when using the heavier threads, it is best to have a white or blue spot light on your backdrop and normally during my performance, the spot is still. You DO NOT want any stage lights shining directly down in front of you, however, you may find that having lighting shining down in back of you (between the backdrop and you) works well too. In this situation I've been able to perform this effect in school gyms, some banquet rooms, or on stage. In some cases the audience has been very close, but I was able to adjust the lighting to make this work. Always check your lighting conditions at each venue, what worked last time might not work this time. Have someone stretch a piece of thread across the stage area and walk out into the theater. Check every angle, and be sure to check the sides and balcony area if it is available for seating. Most of the time using the NU-Lash backdrop with a white or blue spot will work great!!
What About Using Invisible Thread?
Invisible thread is much for forgiving than the thicker threads, however, many times there can be a “shine” that you need to watch out for. With my Super Strong Invisible thread, I have found that you only need to make sure no light is directly above you. This goes for performances in places such as libraries and school rooms too. Florescent lighting is an enemy to invisible thread! If there are Florescent lights above you, have the lights directly above you turned off or position yourself in a different area. If you are on stage, you can use the method mentioned above that is used for the thicker thread. For many more tips and information about lighting with threads, please contact Viktor Voitko. He has a very informative DVD that explains many aspects of lighting for invisible thread.