Hi! I have two props that I need to build that I could use some assistance on. I am working on a “Mission Impossible” type sketch. It has two functional props: A tape recorder that “self destructs” after about 20 seconds, and a fake pack of dynamite that (from the audience) will look like it has a lit fuse.

Tape Recorder that “self destructs”: For this, I envision that about 20 seconds after the button is pushed that coincides with the voice-over mission briefing, around the time you hear “This message will now self destruct” the tape recorder (probably and older cassette player or maybe even a reel to reel), will start smoking profusely without being touched at that point to do it. Shortly after the smoke starts, the prop will be picked up and carried off stage. I did something like this in a high school play with soldering gun dipped into a metal container that was filled with train smoke. This application is a quite a bit smaller though. At this point, I am not even sure if I will have 110 volt power on the prop. It may be running off of battery power. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to pull this off?

Fake Lit Dynamite: I need fake dynamite that can be tossed around on stage. I have made that prop before out of painted large wooden dowels, some electrical tape, and a pipe cleaner out of the center to look like a fuse, but this time I need it look like the fuse had been lit. I am thinking something like LED strobe lights in the top of the bundle of dynamite might work. From the audience’s perspective, it needs to look like it is a lit bundle of dynamite that is being passed around on stage that no one wants to hold. That is my idea, but I have no clue how to make it happen. Any ideas?

I appreciate any help I can get. Thank you!

Steve