Sarcophagus
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URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1489
Printed Date: 6/08/25 at 2:08am
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Topic: Sarcophagus
Posted By: POB14
Subject: Sarcophagus
Date Posted: 7/20/05 at 5:07pm
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Anyone know of a recent production of The Man Who Came To Dinner, preferably in downstate Illinois, who would rent us a sarcophagus cheap? Or loan it to us free for program credit? Or, any good tips on building one? If you don't know the show, it has to be carried off with an actress in it. Thanks for any help, Patrick ------------- POB Old Bugger, Curmudgeon, and Antisocial B**tard |
Replies:
Posted By: Kathy S
Date Posted: 7/20/05 at 11:46pm
| The one that I remember from the high school production of this show that I was in ages ago was just a plywood box, much like a plain coffin that is wider at the shoulders than at the feet, then narrows again above the shoulders. It was painted to look like King Tut's mask and gear. Make sure that it will close securely and when they carry it off with the actress inside, they just tip it and lift. I can't remember very well...would it be possible to put it on a furniture moving dolly or does it have to be carried off? |
Posted By: POB14
Date Posted: 7/22/05 at 4:08pm
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Kathy, I guess that would depend on the set - I don't know the design (I'm just an actor for this one, but I was asked to see what I could "dig up" on the sarcophagus problem ------------- POB Old Bugger, Curmudgeon, and Antisocial B**tard |
).Posted By: Topper
Date Posted: 7/22/05 at 6:12pm
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To save on weight, it is possible to build the
sarcophagus with the bottom and the two endcaps (head & foot) made of sturdy plywood while the sides and lid are built of foam core or corrugated cardboard. Cut the bottom shape out of (at least 1/2", preferably 3/4") plywood. Screw & glue the endcaps securely to this. This will give the structure some stability and will serve as the lifting points. The sides are attached using staples, glue, screws, chewing gum or whatever works for your situation. The advantage of making sides and lid out of foam not only saves weight, but the foam can also be built-up with extra pieces of foam and carved with Egyptian symbols and decorations, creating a relief. Latex caulk in the hands of a skilled craftsman can create further decorations. One would handle the caulk gun as if they were decorating a cake. Be sure to allow the creation ample time to dry before painting. A plastic Halloween face-mask glued to the lid and painted over saves the time and effort of carving a Pharoah's face. Caulking or extra pieces of foam glued around the face cover the seams and create the head-dress. Give the whole thing a thorough coat of gold paint. Highlight the decorations with black enamel or other colors. Even glass beads or fake jewels can be encrusted with hot-melt glue. Just remind your actors to not sit on the thing as it will crush. You can get as many hands as needed to carry it if they all lift from the bottom. PS: Cast a skinny actress. ------------- "None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone |