Special effects anyone?

[Kingscrab]

Does anyone have any tips on how to create some easy, low-impact special effects? I'm talking about trying to simulate some amusing "mad-scientist" laboratory effects on stage. Perhaps, sparkler effects, or tiny chemical flashes... bubbling beakers, foaming test tubes... smoke, etc. :bonk:

Thanks!

[Wick3d]

Good old vinegar and baking soda for your beakers.

edit: with green food coloring

[Schwitzer]

To get the sort of mad scientist mysteriously smoking beaker, you can always do dry ice (frozen carbon dioxide) and water; works a treat.

[Rayne]

SMOKE MACHINE! BADA BADA!!!!111ONE

[Spdstr]

You should use some flashing lights too, I forget what they're called... Strobe lights?

Member,
~ Spdstr

[Kingscrab]

I'm talking about special effects... not a friggin' disco party! ;)

ie: Chemicals combinations that can be mixed to create minor flashes, smoke puffs, whatever... Dry ice: that's on the right track.

[Black.Ice]

Just have bubbling liquids, test-tubes and a black-light. If you're into pyrotechnics, you can get a bunsen burner and use the gas inside soap water. Bubbles will form, and float to the air. using a stick with a flame at the end, it'll ignite. (Did this for a chemistry thing back in 7th grade)

[Sikawtic]

I got a good one... you take a metal bucket and fill it with wax candles, then put it on the fire, wait til all the wax melts, boils, and then lights on fire. Take a bucket of water and dump it in, and run away.

KABOOM.

found the link to the movie:
http://www.big-boys.com/articles/waxexplosion.html

update: dang... you want minor... maybe a lil thing of wax over a candle? :)

[Demon_Child]

No mad scientist scene can go without a Jacob's Ladder. Though it maybe a hassel to make, it would certainly be among the most notable of items that a scientist would have in his laboratory.

To make one, follow the instructions in this link (http://www.ee.washington.edu/circuit_archive/circuits/jacobs.html) and there you go.

[Aquarian]

Why not make a foaming veil?It's the same recipe as a volcano only it's in a veil.

Add vinegar,soap powder,baking powder and any colored food coloring.

You'll have to set it up in order,but I forgot how the order goes.(After seven years,who will?)

[TinyDancer]

My brother and his friend have made a jacob's ladder and a vandegraff generator, go for it!