[SML] swimming pool onstage

[Stuart Wheaton]

On 12/9/2015 2:50 PM, Paul Bradley via Stagecraft wrote:
> Hello everyone, I am currently working on a production that requires a
> swimming pool onstage.  I have never done something like this and a lot
> of my regular shops are currently too busy or don't have the
> capability.  So we are looking for a new shop in the NYC area that might
> be able to help out with this project.
> Does anyone have any suggestion on who to reach out to with theatrical
> pool experience in the area?
>
> thank you,
>
> Paul Bradley
> Technical Director
> New York Theatre Workshop


The water alone will weigh 64 lbs / cu ft.  that's before you put any 
structure around it.

Also, the pool will leak, and the actors will splash.  Design 
containment in rings around the pool, either to catch the water and hold 
it, to pump it to a drain, or to channel it toward a safe discharge 
point.  Put water detectors around / under the pool to tell you if you 
get a leak, maybe hooked up to the building alarm system?  Check with 
your insurer too.  Be sure to secure the theatre when not in use to 
avoid midnight swimmers.

look at what is under the stage and under the pool, maybe move that 
$80,000 grand piano out of the pit for that show?

Who cares if the show is equity or not, heat the damn water.  if you 
wouldn't be happy in the pool, you shouldn't put an actor in it.

Lots of fluffy dry towels, and a heated area for actors if they spend 
time backstage in wet clothing/suits.

Leviton makes a GFCI that works on dimmed circuits.  Use low voltage LED 
stuff where possibly near the pool itself.  Be very careful about 
grounding / cabling / etc.

Stuart