Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board: nailing an actors hands down...

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Nyria
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Joined: 1/20/05
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Topic: nailing an actors hands down...
Posted: 4/29/09 at 10:46pm

I am doing a scene where one actor has to nail another actors hands down. Any thoughts?

Thanks =)

NYRIA

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pdavis69
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Posted: 4/30/09 at 9:13am

Use the slight of hand trick where the nailee holds the nail between his fingers close to where he would wear a ring. The nailer can hammer the nail in to the table or whatever the hands are resting on. The nail doesnt go through the hand but between the fingers. The rest is just acting.

Patrick L. Davis
Fort Findlay Playhouse

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Nyria
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Posted: 5/01/09 at 2:00am

Ok - where is my brain - seriously - such an easy idea =) That's why I love this place - thanks Patrick.

NYRIA

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KEB54
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Posted: 5/01/09 at 1:39pm

"The nailer can hammer the nail in to the table or whatever the hands are resting on. The nail doesnt go through the hand but between the fingers."

Sounds dangerous to me. Sounds like an accident waiting to happen with an actor getting a broken finger or hand.

I think you should think along the lines of screening and misdirection.

KEB

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kiwiholly
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Posted: 5/04/09 at 10:18pm

^ I agree with this being a potential hazard, although if everyone is super-careful (I'm assuming both actors are adults, right?), it shouldn't be too dangerous.

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pdavis69
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Posted: 5/05/09 at 12:40pm

Theatre is dangerous! I played sports all through High School and college without injuries. From the theatre work I have enjoyed two sprained ankles, a broken nose, a torn scalp, a concussion and a staple through my palm. Oh well pain is temporary and the chicks dig scars.

Patrick L. Davis
Fort Findlay Playhouse

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Knightheiders
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Posted: 8/19/09 at 11:19am

What is the scene that you need to nail the hands down with? I worked with a play that did a Jesus Crusifixion scene. We had nails that were bent to the shape of the wrist so that the nail looked like it was going through. The metal around the wrist was painted flesh tone to match the actor. The actor hammering then swung the hammer way over head while leaning over the arm to cover the shot. The hammer hit the board 6 inches from the wrist to give the sound of the hit. When the actor backed away, the one on the cross had his wrist securely in the bend of the nail and you couldn't tell.

Gee Sauce Core Iced East Mice Have Your!

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Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup
Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board :Producing Theater :Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup

Author	Message
Nyria Celebrity Joined: 1/20/05 Location: Canada Online Status: Offline Posts: 157	Topic: nailing an actors hands down... Posted: 4/29/09 at 10:46pm
	I am doing a scene where one actor has to nail another actors hands down. Any thoughts? Thanks =)
	NYRIA

	IP Logged

pdavis69 Celebrity Joined: 3/26/06 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 437	Posted: 4/30/09 at 9:13am
	Use the slight of hand trick where the nailee holds the nail between his fingers close to where he would wear a ring. The nailer can hammer the nail in to the table or whatever the hands are resting on. The nail doesnt go through the hand but between the fingers. The rest is just acting.
	Patrick L. Davis Fort Findlay Playhouse
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Nyria Celebrity Joined: 1/20/05 Location: Canada Online Status: Offline Posts: 157	Posted: 5/01/09 at 2:00am
	Ok - where is my brain - seriously - such an easy idea =) That's why I love this place - thanks Patrick.
	NYRIA
	IP Logged

KEB54 Celebrity Joined: 7/24/08 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 227	Posted: 5/01/09 at 1:39pm
	"The nailer can hammer the nail in to the table or whatever the hands are resting on. The nail doesnt go through the hand but between the fingers." Sounds dangerous to me. Sounds like an accident waiting to happen with an actor getting a broken finger or hand. I think you should think along the lines of screening and misdirection.
	KEB
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kiwiholly Player Joined: 10/01/06 Location: New Zealand Online Status: Offline Posts: 12	Posted: 5/04/09 at 10:18pm
	^ I agree with this being a potential hazard, although if everyone is super-careful (I'm assuming both actors are adults, right?), it shouldn't be too dangerous.
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pdavis69 Celebrity Joined: 3/26/06 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 437	Posted: 5/05/09 at 12:40pm
	Theatre is dangerous! I played sports all through High School and college without injuries. From the theatre work I have enjoyed two sprained ankles, a broken nose, a torn scalp, a concussion and a staple through my palm. Oh well pain is temporary and the chicks dig scars.
	Patrick L. Davis Fort Findlay Playhouse
	IP Logged

Knightheiders Walk-On Joined: 7/30/09 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 7	Posted: 8/19/09 at 11:19am
	What is the scene that you need to nail the hands down with? I worked with a play that did a Jesus Crusifixion scene. We had nails that were bent to the shape of the wrist so that the nail looked like it was going through. The metal around the wrist was painted flesh tone to match the actor. The actor hammering then swung the hammer way over head while leaning over the arm to cover the shot. The hammer hit the board 6 inches from the wrist to give the sound of the hit. When the actor backed away, the one on the cross had his wrist securely in the bend of the nail and you couldn't tell.
	Gee Sauce Core Iced East Mice Have Your!
	IP Logged

Topic: nailing an actors hands down...( Topic Closed)