human shadow puppets! how do i do this?

[j2310lime]

our church is trying to do something like this for christmas.


Is there anyone who has experience in what type of white sheet material i could use and where and how i'm suppose to set up the lighting in the back?

This is kinda urgent !! help!!! thank you!

[WORDpictures]

Sounds like fun! I've done what sounds similar with a home-made rear projection screen. In other words, my husband & I built a frame of PVC on which to stretch an actual white king-size sheet. Backlit it with a projector. Frame dimensions were based on the maximum throw from the projector in the space available on stage. I created a video to project onto back of this screen but had real-life pantomine actors stand behind the screen to cast their silhouettes in the displayed video from the congregation's view. The frame had side wings for support which were covered in black fabric to block the projected light from view on the sides.

(Downside - the projector lens will be visible as a hot spot on the screen. This can be minimized by keeping the light source as low as possible and shoot up toward screen. Also, the stage must be "dark" or the audience might see people moving behind the screen.)

It really turned out awesome! This frame makes a fabulous video green screen support (or backdrop rack) too if you have studio space available (which I regretfully don't).

P.S. I would think white polyester double-knit fabric could work well as it should be thicker & more diffused than the sheet - though probably 60" maximum width. I've talked to others who used white spandex - but it's more expensive and harder to track down locally. If you don't have a spare projector (I used the youth area's), then floor-mount par can lights might do it - you might be able to rent these from an A/V source or borrow from a school theatre department if your church doesn't have any. (All depends on budget & available equipment).

[Gene]

I did this at a non-profit event with a rear-projection screen (though rented, not home-made) like Teresa describes. It was mostly used for projected media, but I just showed a white screen for the puppet sequence.

[tedanderson]

the projector lens will be visible as a hot spot on the screen.

This is easily resolved by painting the back side of the sheet or backing it with tissue paper.

I would think white polyester double-knit fabric could work well as it should be thicker & more diffused than the sheet

I'd like to try this muslin. We used the material to make lightweight stage flats for a play and I was impressed with the smoothness and the solidness of the surface when we brushed it with the glue but I am not sure how transparent it is.

[j2310lime]

thanks for all your advices i will get on it right away.

but when you say projector ... do mean an actual powerpoint projector .or like a overhead projector?

[WORDpictures]

Along this line depending on size/light level of your facility (not familiar with this company, just showing types of projects):

http://www.meetingtomorrow.com/categ...FQKHxwod1zHMcw

[tcahall]

Check out Dazian.com They have stretch fabric which is made for this application. Also, you can select fabric that is flame retardant, so the fire marshal will not shut you down.

If you are doing human shadow puppets, I assume you want to backlight people and have their shadows projected on the screen? If so, you can use PARs or Fresnels very efficiently. (I love PAR cans, but this is probably a job for a Fresnel due to the evenness of the light).

A little trial and error with height and angles and you should be able to remove most of the hot spots.

Tim.

[EmilBarnabas]

If you don't have any stage lights, you could use almost any kind of projector or light source.
If you have an old slide projector in a closet collecting dust, you could use that as your light source

[Mustangnaz]

I'm resurrecting this thread because we are going to do this for Christmas. I've got the lighting under control, I just need the material. I would like to repurpose the material afterwards and uplight it with LEDs for service. It will be used on our upper stage, I believe I'll need two sheets about 12'x12'. Any new ideas on materials or sources?

[jthtiger]

Spandex is a good, versatile fabric for this kind of thing. No church can really go wrong with some spandex lying around.

-Tyler Herron