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Bow and Arrow

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Topic: Bow and Arrow

Posted By: Horatio
Subject: Bow and Arrow
Date Posted: 6/27/05 at 8:08pm

Sucide in B flat by Sam Sheppard requires that a bow and arrow be shot at a character on stage. A terrific visual effect but the script does not indicate on how it was done.

Safety and a cool effect

How to do it?

Any suggestions would be most welcome

Horatio

Replies:

Posted By: Topper
Date Posted: 6/28/05 at 1:53am

One technique I know of is as follows:

Bow is off-the-shelf practical and useable. Arrow is
fake.

Arrow is constructed of hollow plastic tube -- like a
very long drinking straw. Feathers and soft tip (also
hollow) are added. This arrow is very lightweight
and virtually harmless. Tip can be made sticky with
spray adhesive.

One end of thin guide wire (monofilament) is
attached to center of bow's drawstring. Hollow arrow
is fed onto this wire. The bow is now loaded.

The opposite end of drawstring is attached to it's
predetermined target -- scenery, prop, even the
actor's (victim's) costume.

As the shooter picks up the loaded bow with arrow,
he positions himself to "aim" the arrow, when
actually he is merely drawing the slack out of the
monofilament.

With the wire now taut, he can shoot the arrow with
utmost accuracy as it will travel along the wire until
its soft tip (wetted with spray adhesive) "sticks" the
arrow into it's target.

If the arrow is fired into an actor, the actor can catch
the arrow as it strikes, holding it in place as he dies
or flails about dramatically. The actor holding the
bow only needs to take a few steps forward to allow
the "dying" actor all the slack he'll need.

Happy hunting!

-------------
"None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone

Posted By: th8rguykc
Date Posted: 6/28/05 at 12:16pm

Topper-

Such theatrical genius gives me goosebumps!

Bravo to your mentors/teachers!

Posted By: Horatio
Date Posted: 6/28/05 at 10:20pm

Will defiantely give this some thought. Some once mentioned magnets but only hypothetical. Never actually tried.

Thank you for the detailed suggestion.

Anyone else, please feel free.

Horatio

Posted By: Topper
Date Posted: 6/29/05 at 10:50am

I wish I could take credit for this technique but it's
been used in Hollywood since Errol Flynn first pulled
on a pair of tights. It probably dates back to the silent
movie days of cowboys and Indians.

PS: If you plan to fire the arrow into a live actor, I
suggest sewing a sturdy leather patch under the
actor's costume at the entry point. This will provide
needed cushioning for repeat performances.