Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup: nailing an actors hands down...

Print Page | Close Window

nailing an actors hands down...

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup
Forum Discription: For how-to's and where-can-I-find
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3986
Printed Date: 5/15/25 at 2:18pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: nailing an actors hands down...

Posted By: Nyria
Subject: nailing an actors hands down...
Date 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

Replies:

Posted By: pdavis69
Date 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

Posted By: Nyria
Date 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

Posted By: KEB54
Date 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

Posted By: kiwiholly
Date 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.

Posted By: pdavis69
Date 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

Posted By: Knightheiders
Date 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!