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magiGlen New user 78 Posts |
Greeting and Salutations. Next week I will be doing a fire eating demonstration for our high schools assembly. The thing is to protect our gyms floor they roll out these huge thin plastic mats. Now if I drop a torch (never happened before, but better safe than sorry) the plastic would go up in a puff of smoke. I was wondering what the usual precaution are in a setting like this. I am planning on taking some very large beach towels and placing them were I will be. What is the usual way to protect your suroundings from catching light if you happen to drop a torch? Thanks.
Glen |
gsidhe Inner circle Michigan 1725 Posts |
Step 1- Don't drop the torch!
I don't suppose that there is any chance they could let you do it over hardwood? Much safer than plastic, although it gets slippery as heck. A dropped torch would not be likely to do any damage if picked up quickly, as opposed to having melted burning plastic sticking to everything. If you use the towels...Make sure they are 100% cotton and damp. (Also make sure that they will not slide when you are on them) Ideally, if you can't do it over the hardwood, do it over a fire blanket. Also...Have a spotter with a fire extinguisher in hand, as well as wet COTTON towels nearby. Also check with your local fire marshall to make sure that what you are doing is even legal in that structure. Be prepared to demonstrate your act for the marshall. They can be your best ally in fire performance, or they can shut you down in a heartbeat. Go to bearclawmfg.com for a good safety guideline. Print it out, and show the marshall that you are doing everything on their list. By doing exactly as they say, I have never had any problem with a fire marshall approving my show, and I have done a lot of strictly fire shows. All of this is assuming that you have eaten fire before, and learned from someone who knows what they are doing. If not...Don't do it at all. Gwyd |
Harley Newman Inner circle 5117 Posts |
The first thing to do in this situation, is to move the plastic mats away from where you'll be performing. Beach towels will look bad. Also, most beach towels are not natural fiber (cotton or wool), and will burn just as nicely as plastic, with some of the same toxic fumes.
If they're worried about their floor, point out that you're wearing sneakers (which, of course, you WILL be). And then briefly discuss the nature of plastic, when it comes into contact with even a little bit of flame, NOT that it's going to happen. As the expert performer, YOU must call the shots on this, or not do it. And if there's any kind of safety issue, don't. Do something else. You might also consider having a small CO2 extinguisher on hand. If you had to use it, you'd look better for having it around. If you don't have to use it, you'll look better for being of top of it. Be sure that the table on which you have your props, is very stable. Have a wet towel on it, neatly folded up, if you like. And remember, the towel is 100% cotton.
“You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus” -Mark Twain
www.bladewalker.com |
Slim Price Inner circle 1935 - 2006 1326 Posts |
And be sure you know where the sprinklers are. Avoid flammable cosmetics, gels and sprays are bad stuff.
Slim
sanscan@tds.net
"I will never bitter be, as long as I can laugh at me!" "The people who were dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music" |
magiGlen New user 78 Posts |
It will be in a gym so the cielings are VERY high up. For my hair I don't put any product in it, but I might wear a bandana to keep it out of the way.
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Harley Newman Inner circle 5117 Posts |
Good. Each hair can become a wick.
“You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus” -Mark Twain
www.bladewalker.com |
magiGlen New user 78 Posts |
Sorry guys I totally forgot about this topic and forgot to keep you up to date. My first live fire eating experience went very well. I have it on film and it is up on youtube. The crowd loved it but sadly ALOT of people skipped the assembly and did not get to witness it. After reviewing the tape I feel I did not do half as well as I could have, I was rushed, the music didn't start right away, and the lights we not dimmed. I was also faster than I usually am, but that could have been becuase I was infront of a couple hundred people judging my every move hehe. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwL3AYiVGPI
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mcalpin New user Magnolia TX 8 Posts |
You were outstanding. Congratulations.
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drwilson Inner circle Bar Harbor, ME 2191 Posts |
Very nice! The fire on the clothing is very pretty, and you have some fine moves in that video, for example, spinning the torch before eating the fire. I love the way you take the applause position at the end, a great circus flourish.
Yours, Paul |
mrnavyblue New user 70 Posts |
I liked it nice one mate
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gsidhe Inner circle Michigan 1725 Posts |
I am now officially embarassed to have worried whether or not you had real skills! Your torch moves were great, fab transfers, and you come accross as very comfortable with what you are doing and compitent.
Nicely Done... Will definately be looking for you on the road... Gwyd |
magiGlen New user 78 Posts |
Thanks a lot for your kind words. If you wouldn't mind could anyone pony up constructive critisism on routine and form? I realize I repeat a lot of things, and I really need to work on my spit transfer and standard fire eat.
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Freak Prodigy Inner circle NYC & LA 1805 Posts |
Think about prop placment...you don't want to have to walk all over the place to get something done((like dipping torches))
Also dressier torch handles...go to a good kitchen supply store and buy some fancy kabob squwers. and just tighten up your staging...if that makes sense. Brett.
Blog:
http://www.bloudermilk.blogspot.com _________________________________________ E-mail: BrettELoudermilk@gmail.com |
Professor Piper Special user Somewhere, out there... 770 Posts |
The only suggestion I would give?
Slow down a bit...Think about building DRAMA! What you are performing is VERY dramatic, it can even be considered romantic in nature... Take your time, build some suspense... Make the audience CRAVE to see your next move. Other than that, you have some impressive moves! Prof. Piper
"Nemo has been found! He was on an Admiral's Platter at Red Lobster!"
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magiGlen New user 78 Posts |
Thanks for the advice piper. Got to get back to my practice chanter, toodles!
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