Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board: prop chair-quick release-from bondage

Message

   I need to be able to tie an actor into a chair, his legs and arms bound.  I want him to be able to self-release in blackouts or in emergencies.  I thought of some sort of hinge set-up, but nothing has germinated yet.  

If that's too complicated does anyone know how to rig knots with ropes for same effect?  I want to keep it with ropes, not straps or handcuffs.

I'm doing "Death & the Maiden" and one character is tied in a chair for long sections of the show.

Author	Message
GElliott Lead Joined: 3/05/07 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 33	Topic: prop chair-quick release-from bondage Posted: 9/06/08 at 5:39pm
	I need to be able to tie an actor into a chair, his legs and arms bound. I want him to be able to self-release in blackouts or in emergencies. I thought of some sort of hinge set-up, but nothing has germinated yet. If that's too complicated does anyone know how to rig knots with ropes for same effect? I want to keep it with ropes, not straps or handcuffs. I'm doing "Death & the Maiden" and one character is tied in a chair for long sections of the show.

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JoeMc Celebrity Joined: 3/13/06 Location: Australia Online Status: Offline Posts: 832	Posted: 9/07/08 at 6:48am
	Use elastic bands, hidden out of sight on the chair, to secure the rope. Possibly be easier to use the Larks head [Girt hitch] http://www.animatedknots.com/girth/index.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com On the elastic bands attaching them to the back splats or on the stetchers of the chair legs. Place the ropes running end, folded into a loop & pop it thru the elastic band. To simulate it being tied at the rear. Much the same principle as used, when packing the lines of a parachute. The rope will hold in place & can easily be pulled out. Also it will look realistic, as the rope can be cinched up & tightened.
	[western] Gondawandaland "Hear the light & see the sound! TOI TOI CHOOKAS {may you always play to a full house!}
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pdavis69 Celebrity Joined: 3/26/06 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 437	Posted: 9/09/08 at 4:35pm
	When we did DATM, we used Paulina's thigh high pantyhose to bind him. The pantyhose worked well. They have enough give for him to slip in and out of the bindings when the lights go down. Also the pantyhose work well in the story concidering she gags him with her panties.
	Patrick L. Davis Fort Findlay Playhouse
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GElliott Lead Joined: 3/05/07 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 33	Posted: 11/07/08 at 5:42pm
	Update: We decided to go low tech and used a quick release knot. With a little practice the actors were able to act like it was a more complicated knot. When he was released between acts it took seconds to get him out of the chair. They held really nice and looked good. Thanks for the input.
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Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup
Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board :Producing Theater :Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup

Topic: prop chair-quick release-from bondage( Topic Closed)