Defying Gravity at Home?

Question

I'm putting on a variety performance at my house (6,000 sq. ft. is enough to put on something like this (tall ceilings too), and I was going to do Defying Gravity with my sister. I just need to know what type of make-up is needed to make her green, what should I do for the flying effect, and I know how to use the dry-ice, but can anyone give me some cool methods of using it to make a dramatic effect? Last, what type of lights do I need? I live in an area where most things are cheap for me, so nothing will be a problem to purchase, EXCEPT: A cherry picker! Please do not tell me to rent or use a hydraulic lift. I live in the penthouse of the building. It would be impossible to get it in here through and elevator. Thanks, provide links ;)

Answer 1

If you're having to ask how to fly people, you shouldn't do it.  The Broadway effect is done with a hydraulic lift, cleverly masked and lit (and with inbuilt safety mechanisms), and there's no way you can replicate that in a house.  Be clever with ladders and black cloth is my suggestion!  As for the lighting, theatrical lights require either more power than you'll have in your house, or complicated control desks - so you'd have to hire in a technician to run it for you, because it's not something you can learn quickly.  If I was you, I'd be experimenting with gel (the colour filters put in lights) on your house lights to see what effects you can get.  I'd also recommend hiring a smoke machine rather than using dry ice - much easier, cleaner, no boiling water to scald people, and also safer as it won't suffocate you.

Answer 2

The green makeup is MAC chromacake in landscape green. The blush and eyeshadow are purple.

Wicked is mostly lighted from the sides, and the set is dark, so the lighting designer Kenneth Posner had to find a way to balance the colors of the different characters and light the set so things can be seen. Elphaba always has a green spotlight on her to accentuate the makeup.

Answer 3

you do understand that dry ice is dangerous, right?

all you have to do is throw yourself at the ground and miss. it takes some practice but, you can do it!