stage and sand

I'm doing a show next year that takes place on the beach, does anyone know the best way of going about purchasing enough sand to cover a stage, how much it would cost, the best way of protecting a stage and getting in and out.

Thanks.

Hi Paul

As bst my knowledge could assist you, it would really depend on the type of show, the size of the stage and the style to which you want to present it.

The only time which i've seen sand used on stage was about 4 years ago.

The sand was boxed into the set with a primeter for 3x2 timber, which was lined with a realitivly thin layer of plastic to stop excess accidents. (by the way, no matter how well you try to control it, the sand will go EVERYWHERE!) (bold lettering used as emphsis!)

The stage was 10m by 5m
It required a trucks worth or sand.
Because of the space and where the sand was dumped, it all have to be wheelbarrowed up 1 story. (and back again for bump out)

To represent a beach (for example), the above boxing method you kind of ruin the effect, however without it you'll have less control (and more to clean up).

I hope I've helped you out (even if its just a little)
any further question, dont hesitate to ask

I saw a play a few years ago (which i had friend in) where they used sand all i know is they had to put all the sand on a tarp and they had to consistantly roll the tarp backwards and forwards! Sand is such a pain to work with.

Sorry that probably not much help

Thanks everyone for the replies, it sounds like a pain but hopefully rewarding. Anyone have any ideas about where to actually get the sand in the Melbourne area, obviously aside from the beach because to my knowledge it's against most council laws. Anyone have any price ideas? Thanks.

My best suggestion is to take a look at garden centres and so forth compare prices, maybe look for sponcership or something.

Acquire a stage cloth of calico or canvas, you could use a plastic tarp, if you wish to protect the stage, however the plastic tends to sweat & retain any moisture from condensation or humidity. The cloth will also, but it will dry out faster than plastic. [Cloth will also mildew, depending upon how long itÂ’s down} Before you load the sand on, paint the cloth with a solution of wallpaper size & spread on a covering of the sand, allow it to dry. Use yellow builders sand from the suppliers, it will only need the sand to be about 10mm in depth at the centre & graded out to none around the edges. Thus giving glued sand boarder around the stage cloth, of as wide as you can get away with, yet still retaining the effect. Also traffic scuffing thru the sand, wonÂ’t leave the stage exposed - this also reduces sand winding up everywhere. Before the performance broom the sand mainly to the centre & it will spread out during the show. Builders yellow sand has more body & wonÂ’t be such a pain as fine beach sand is!
I have done this a number of times, with no problems!
Chookas Paul

Hi Paul,
I have done a few shows with sand and soil, 2 years ago we covered the entire state theatre stage with red sand.
I have found the guys at BGS sand and soil great to work with, and sometimes they even buy the sand back from you if it is in good condition.
im not sure what theatre you are putting this into but, my suggestions are to lay plastic or tarps on the floor and tape it down.
we used small bob cats and dingos, (dingos are great because they are small and their weight load is minimal) to move the sand around and alot of crew to shovel and rake it over the stage.
you can get a dingo digger from Mark at Complete hire equipment if you need his number give me a call.

if you need any further assistance or help, please feel free to call me on 0395877311

cheers

Robyn Good
Showtech Australia Pty Ltd
&
Showtech Rigging

Joe knows his stuff. He has helped me and others in the past and is extremely knowlegable in the field of staging & lighting for theatre.

thanks for all the help everyone. What a great response, lot of useful info here.

Why thank you for your comments Ms Fi!
Congratualations to you & Glen on the new bouncing boy!
Chookas Fiona & glen

If you still intend on using sand in a theatre there is another cost that will come into play apart from the sand and transport. No matter what you use to protect your stage and equipment the sand will always cause damage. So damage costs will have to be considered.
Possible other options are:
*Relocate your production to an outdoor venue.
*Use a floor cloth that is painted to be a beachhead.
*Use a Masonite false floor and polystyrene set. The Masonite painted with sand and the polystyrene painted as the dunes.

I hope my suggestions are helpful.

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If you still intend on using sand in a theatre there is another cost that will come into play apart from the sand and transport. No matter what you use to protect your stage and equipment the sand will always cause damage. So damage costs will have to be considered.
Possible other options are:
*Relocate your production to an outdoor venue.
*Use a floor cloth that is painted to be a beachhead.
*Use a Masonite false floor and polystyrene set. The Masonite painted with sand and the polystyrene painted as the dunes.

I hope my suggestions are helpful.

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apologies for reaping a post a computer fault.

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