SCENERY: The spike tape thread of DOOM

[nmno]

A similar situation has been discussed here:
http://smnetwork.org/forum/index.php/topic,1431.0.html

[MileHighSM]

Yeah, I'd suggest paint pens or multiple Sharpie colors.

[centaura]

If the burlap is still accessable under all the three-d additions, you might be able to weave or tack some pieces of fabric into it for your spike marks.  Or tie colored yarn at the strategic points.  Similar to how someone can put a piece of fabric into a fly rail line to mark a spike.

-Centaura

[erin]

I've used "Light spikes" in the past on surfaces impossible to spike otherwise.    Basically, you have a special light with an "x" or "L" template/gobo that is brought up just before the element needs to be set.   

Sort of a last-measure resort, as it only works for a small number of spikes, and you have to work with your lighting designer to get it up, and if that light ever gets knocked out of focus everything would go seriously downhill.   But it is an option if all else fails.

I'd try tacking down yarn first

[geoffsm]

Thanks guys for your help.  We figured out a solution that the scenic designer could live with.  We are spiking the border of the deck (so as to create a grid effect), which is based off of the lighting focus areas.  This seems to be enough for the actors to set the scenery (which is nothing more than wooden crates, due to the stylistic nature of the show).  It works because the border has no floor treatment.

[sievep]

I know this seems rather elementary, but I'm working with a set that is carpeted and raked . . .any suggestions on the best way to spike that?

[MatthewShiner]

Spike tape for the short term, then I would suggest paint pen or sharpie.

(I guess it depends on the pile.)

[ewharton]

I closed a show recently that had a carpet floor. We did exactly what MatthewShiner said. We used spike tape through tech until the furniture placement was set and then switched to sharpie.
The spike tape did keep pulling off which was very annoying during tech. The sharpie was great once things were set.

[sarahbear42]

The last show I did we were using borrowed rugs, so we couldn't do anything permanent to them.

We were lucky enough that the pile on the rugs worked really well with velcro... I took a photo straight down so I knew exactly where they went in relation to the pattern. It held better than spike tape, especially if it was just being walked on. Not so great when the chairs were moved across them, but still, better than tape.

[ScooterSM]

For shows with long runs I have also had pretty good success with flat head tacks/brads.  They need to have a long enough point to secure into the deck, but they don't come up with vacuuming or dancing, and can't be seen from the house.  They were also easier to move than sharpie marks, since sometimes carpet stretches and spikes had to be realigned.  Depending on the size of the house and the pile/quality/need for re-use of the carpet I have also used a short screw and a small washer for times when the spikes needed to be big enough for a mid-show shift.  This also works well on Astro-Turf.

[sievep]

Sorry, I should have been more specific .  .  .it has a very deep pile, almost shag, in a very small house.

[KMC]

How about using a stencil with a spraypaint that contrasts just enough to be useful as a spike mark?

[MatthewShiner]

Is this for crew pre-show set up?  Or is this for during show changes?

[sievep]

These spike marks will be used by the singers during the show, and one more thing that I should throw into the mix is that at least two of the singers are in bare feet.

[MatthewShiner]

Yeah, I still think painting the carpet is going to be you best answer - or if the carpet isn't laid, pulling through a small piece of fabric through the backing of the carpet - think how you spike rope at the rail, but apply it to carpet . . . doing something like that may help.