Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Rich Dionne on September 18, 2012 at 4:15pm

For a production of Coastal Disturbances a few years ago, we covered a rake with a sandy-colored medium-pile carpet that the painter--who was amazing--dusted and sprayed to give it a more natural, uneven texture. We were careful to leave it bumpy and lumpy on places. It looked fantastic.

Permalink Reply by Brad Berridge on September 18, 2012 at 8:19pm

I've seen it done twice, very effectively, with ground cork. It is dusty though-you have to rinse it with water. Good luck!

Permalink Reply by Dan Mellitz on September 24, 2012 at 5:17am

I agree with the cork. I know that Ka for Cirque uses it, but they also have a machine that cleans it every day too after its been used. I am not even sure where you would get that much cork. Can you use sand and just put another layer down underneath of it? plastic? wood? something?

Permalink Reply by David Horton on September 24, 2012 at 7:09am

Great suggestions! Cork, yes, carpet that can be texture painted - yes. And yes to the floor covering. if you can get the stage covered you can fill it with sand and save the floor. I used a variety of techniques for "To Gillian" - we used carpet for the majority of the set. Built up "dunes" and dusted them with spray adhesive and actual sand, and then had a few areas that used real sand for the actors to touch, play in, show, etc. The paining and blending is the key.