Creating a cold but steaming pan of water

[Ynot]

Guys,

Whatever the solution, it HAS to be practical. The talk of hiding any of the options to produce mist/steam INSIDE the pan mean the unit has to be waterproof, and securely fixable ina stable enough fashion so that when picked up and the water thrown, then the item doesn't follow it! And then there's how to power it safely - whilst also keeping THAT aspect waterproof.

 

I'm all for brainstorming an idea, but to be honest, when the OP has less than a day to come up with the solution, that's pretty darned limited!

 

I still say go with the suspension of disbelief and just use luke-warm water, letting the talent ACT the temperature.

[Tomo]

howabout http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?Module...215&T=29168

Mini-Fogger Mist Generator Information:

• High frequency ceramic membrane vibrates water into dense mist

Actually, that's the perfect solution for this application - those devices are designed to be immersed and give the impression of mist rising.

Not going to happen in time for the show because it needs an ac power supply - so would need removing from the pan before throwing, which requires working out some way to hide the device, more rehearsal time, risk assessment etc.

 

However, unless the audience are very close they are unlikely to really see any of these effects anyway - that's what actors are for!

[d_korman]

howabout http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?Module...215&T=29168

Mini-Fogger Mist Generator Information:

• High frequency ceramic membrane vibrates water into dense mist

Actually, that's the perfect solution for this application - those devices are designed to be immersed and give the impression of mist rising.

Not going to happen in time for the show because it needs an ac power supply - so would need removing from the pan before throwing, which requires working out some way to hide the device, more rehearsal time, risk assessment etc.

 

However, unless the audience are very close they are unlikely to really see any of these effects anyway - that's what actors are for!

 

They are only any good if you have something above the surface of the water above the transducer to stop the splashing - the water depth has to be very shallow or you get no mist at all, and along with the mist, you get a jet of water that can spurt to a foot or so into the air and splash everything (I bought one to try it out).

[Simon Lyall]

What about rigging a hole behind the pan, and having a smoke machine underneath so that steam just wisps out, depends on the size of your venue, but most of the audience shouldnt notice that it isnt coming from the pan. You would have to make it so the smoke does shoot out though

 

 

Simon

[w/robe]

Our performance this morning brought this old thread to mind.

 

We have a scene where an obviously fake jam roly-poly pudding is placed in an obviously fake oven and comes out steaming. The oven is a packing case that is carried on and placed DSC and the pudding placed inside it.

 

At our opening performance 350 school children burst in to spontaneous applause.

 

No electronics, no chemicals just some non-scented talcum powder, a competent actor and hours of work by Stage Management.

[Roderick]

No electronics, no chemicals just some non-scented talcum powder, a competent actor and hours of work by Stage Management.

The KISS principle has done it again (well, if your are not in Stage Management)

Love it!

[Guest Kurt Muller]

Presumably, your audience isn't going to be looking down into the pan, so they have no way of seeing if it's boiling or steaming. But you want them to think it is.

 

Try acting. :D

 

Not being facetious, but if your actor plays his part well, he can give the audience the impression that the pan of water is hot, just by subtle gestures; eg., wincing when he grabs the pan handle; holding it very carefully; squinting his eyes as if he's avoiding the "steam". Add to that a sound effect of boiling, and you should have a pretty good illusion.

 

If you really want the audience to see "steam", why not stick a very tiny smouldering smoke pellet on the upstage side of the pan. The smoke would probably waft around the edge of the pan, and all you want is the general presence of steam anyway.