HI everyone,

   I am currently working on a production of The Music Man, and we're trying to tackle the firecracker dilemma.  Does anyone have any suggestions as to what we could do/make to create a realistic firecracker effect.

Thanks :-)

I solved the problem by using a sound effect and putting a light and smoke machine under the gazebo/bandstand where Eulalie was standing. Tommy threw the firecracker under the bandstand with coordinated lights, smoke, kaboom!, and a scream from Eulalie and all worked well.

Linda

Thanks for your reply, unfortunately our blocking and set does not allow for that... any other suggestions?

If you've got somebody who really knows and is licensed to do pyro, you could do a flashpot with an offstage sound effect.

Warning:  Do NOT do pyro without an experienced, licensed pyro operator.

In case that's not clear:  DO NOT DO PYRO WITHOUT AN EXPERIENCED, LICENSED PYRO OPERATOR.

Let me put that another way:

DO NOT DO PYRO WITHOUT AN EXPERIENCED, LICENSED PYRO OPERATOR.

The sound effect can be created with a simple device called a "slap-stick!"

Basically, it's a flat board (1" x 6" works well) approx 4 feet in length.  At "standby" the operator stands with one foot on the end of the board and pulls up the other end with his fingers (or, for greater protection, a sturdy cord attached to that end of the board).

This flexes the board and creates tension (like a bow & arrow).  On cue, the operator simply releases his hand-grip on the board, keeping his foot in place.  The board will SLAP the ground with a mighty BANG.

This should be loud enough to be done offstage left or right, behind the upstage scrim or (if your blocking allows) somewhere inconspicuous onstage, preferably near your victim.  I guarantee they won't have to "act" surprised.

For a non-pyro-technic puff of smoke, fill a small funnel with either talcum powder or corn starch.  Run a flexible tube from the funnel's end to an offstage (or out-of-sight) operator. 

The actor (instead of throwing the firecracker) deliberatly places the firecracker in front of the funnel (which is pre-set and either hidden from view or painted to blend with the set).

At "standby" the offstage operator inhales deeply (Be sure he DOESN'T have his mouth on the tube at that time.  He'll learn fast).  On cue, the operator blows mightily into the flexible tube, releasing a blast of powder.

Couple these 2 effects together and you'll have the audience convinced.

SAFETY NOTE:

When using corn starch, be sure to keep it away from an open flame.  Corn starch can be flammable when blown into dust.  My 9th-grade science teacher demonstrated this when describing how a grain elevator explosion occurs. 

He used the funnel with the flexible tubing and ran the tube through a punched hole in the bottom of an empty coffee can.  The tube ran through the table top and several feet away.  Next to the funnel, inside the can, he placed a lit candle and then replaced the plastic lid on top of the can.

While he was safely at a distance, he encouraged the class to gather around the coffee can and "watch closely."  He blew into the tube, scattering the corn starch within the confines of the coffee can.  The candle immediately ignited the dust, blowing the lid off the can and sending up an impressive fireball which quickly dissipated before it hit the ceiling.

That's why I remember the story so vividly.  It left quite an impression on the entire class.  As did my teacher's sadistic laughter at the horrified expressions on our faces.

Talcum powder is the safer option.