Spike marks on peat/bark floor?

[Anne]

Any suggestions for how to mark positions of furniture on a floor which is 15cm deep in loose peat moss and bark?  The only thing I can think of is to go up to the grid and take a photograph from above and just eyeball it.

[dallas10086]

I'm having deja vu with this question, I think someone else had a similar challenge last year. The picture isn't a bad idea. Have you thought of taking a thin metal rod/spike with a short colored flag on the top end (the kind landscapers use) and drive it into the 'stage'?

[maximillionx]

The photo seems like a good idea, especially if accompanied by measurements to something stationary.

Could you put a flower in the moss that would mark the position? Maybe mark the ground with paint under the moss?  Strategically place a piece of bark?

I'm intrigued now....what's the production that uses a 15cm deep peat moss floor?

[planetmike]

If you only have a few pieces of furniture to set, and can set two spikes (literally) in two spots out of the way, you could use different length ropes/cords (that hopefully won't stretch too much). Simply form a triangle with the spike, and the back two corners of the sofa. Then from another spike at another corner of the stage with two other edges of the sofa. There should only be one place that the sofa could go such that the four ropes/cords will be taut. After placing the sofa, move the ropes/cords back to their spike.

Another way would be to form a grid down the back and side of your stage, then you'd have to set the sofa's corner in your notes. (top left corner at 3,4; top right corner at 5,9, etc...)

Sounds like a fun experience. Post some photos with what you come up with.

[Mac Calder]

Do you have a lighting grid? or at least some form of above stage structure?  What about a carefully rigged light or laser pointer. Provided you are not using a shed load of haze, if you do it correctly it can be very effective.

[MatthewShiner]

I guess the real question is - is this a pre-set issue or during a show issue?

During pre-set, you can come up with a host of interesting ideas - including, well, just using a tape measure.

During the show, then using some sort of lighting effect might do help out.

[ScooterSM]

What about some sort of foam rod/tube that could be set into the bark or attached to the floor underneath, but would still be actor safe if they fell on it?  I am  not sure if they are available in Ireland, but some of the products made by Nerf (the darts in particular) are similar to what I was thinking.  They could be painted to blend with the floor treatment but be enough different that they could still be found.

Keep us updated on what you find that works!