Installing the Translucent Trap Doors!

In addition to the up-lights in the platforms, I also wanted the two trap doors to include spotlights from below. So my Stagecraft class installed 750 watt Source4 spotlights under the stage. Here Kerne mounts the light straight up on a short boom stand. Notice my creative use of an old brake disc from a car as an improvised stage-weight for this boom. (Click to enlarge).


The light shoots through a 3/4" thick disc of Lucite plastic. The disc is well supported on the steel truss that makes up the standard trap filler plug.


The class focuses the spotlight straight up to the hole in the stage. There is plenty of distance for safe heat dispersion. (By the way, until this building is completed, we have no costume shop, so the costumes have to be stored in this damp basement).


The 19 degree lens on the Source4 spot shoots right up through the gap in the steel I-beams. The actor simply stands there...like the "transporter pad" on Star Trek!!!


So here is a test of the final effect that I want. Kerne stands on the Lucite disc as we hit him from below. Surprizingly, there is no heat on the disc at all. (Click to enlarge photo).