Onstage > Stage Management: Plays & Musicals

PROP: Almost, Maine Shoe

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Nic Sedivec; SM:
I have just started rehearsal and am wondering if anyone has a good idea of a solution for a tricky prop.

During one scene a shoe is supposed to "drop from the sky." We will be performing in a black box theatre and the action will be taking place on the opposite side of the theatre from the booth (mezzanine). We have a limited budget, so a box with an electronic release most likely won't be an option. The director would really like to drop the shoe at this point in the planning.

Barring fishing line and a pulley system - I'm out of ideas. Does anyone have an idea of how to drop this prop?

LizzG:
I had a friend who did this show, and the 'string and pulley' system is exactly what they did...worked very well for them.

MatthewShiner:
A drop pocket?

Something where there is a piece of fabric that holds the show.  One side of the fabric is fixed, the other can be released with rope, letting the shoe fall freely.

maximillionx:
We did this same trick in Kiss Me, Kate with the string and pulley method.  Works great! Sometimes, the simplest idea is the best.

tempest_gypsy:
I'm a third voice for the string and pulley system. I did Almost, Maine about five years ago. We used a loose-pin hinge to hold our drop box closed, and then one stiff tug on a line, from the booth (probably 30' away) and the shoe fell, without a hitch, every time.

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