[SML] Haze machine

[Riter, Andrew]

LeMaitre Radiance Hazers are also very good.  The external fan is louder than the hazer.  A cheap household fan would also work to move stuff around.

I recommend against a DF-50, only because of the noise level of the unit.  In a small venue you won’t get it far enough away from the audience to be quiet.

Yes, you want water based (also known as Gylcol or glycerin).  This is the Radiance fluid.
They don’t leave a residue on the stage or the equipment (unless you blast the output against something).  Put the fan behind or beside the hazer, and NOT in front of the output.  The fan gets disgusting over a long time.

DON’T do any home made haze.  I wouldn’t trust it (safety-wise), and it probably won’t be repeatable.

Budget-wise: try renting.
When I was with a local theatre company, they would buy foggers (not hazers) cheap from Halloween-type stores.  They would make fog, but it always cycled off right before the cue.  You won’t be affected if a hazer cycles on or off throughout the show.  I only mention because CHEAP comes at other costs.

Placement:  in the wings, or on a pipe above the stage (depends how your air flow works), behind the drum riser . . . .

Health issues.  A reputable brand (like from a rental company) should NOT cause any response from performers or audience.  I wouldn’t take a mouthful from the output nozzle, though.  However, some people are affected by the SIGHT of haze in the air.  You can’t do much about them.

Good luck.  Have fun.  It really does change the lighting and scenery of the show (walls of light are now possible).

Andrew M. Riter
Assistant Technical Director, Head Lighting Technician
Chan Centre

Phone 604 822 2372
andrew.riter at ubc.ca<mailto:andrew.riter at ubc.ca>

From: Stagecraft <stagecraft-bounces at theatrical.net> On Behalf Of Ross via Stagecraft
Sent: Tuesday, March 29, 2022 9:27 AM
To: Stagecraft Mailing List <stagecraft at theatrical.net>
Cc: faker200 at netins.net
Subject: [SML] Haze machine

[CAUTION: Non-UBC Email]


Hello all,

I am doing research for the posiblity of buying a haze machine.  My alto-ego asked this question on the FB side, so I will ask here as well go into more detail.

One of the theatre group I work with is gearing up to a production with a rock concert vibe (Rock of Ages).  In in effort to create the lighting effects from a (good) concert, I came across the topic of hazer machines.  No one in the group that I know about, has any experince with Hazers.  So I have a few questions.

1)  What are the best brands to look at on a shoe string budget?  From the research I have done so far, I think I would prefer a water based one.  HAs any one tried the DIY versions I have seen on youtube?

2)  The artist director asked about reside?  Will it make the stage slick or sticky at any point in time?  From what I have read, water based will not at anytime, oil based might if you had a rock concert playing in the space every night for a week or more.  What is you experince?

3)  Any concern in regards to placement with a live band or lighting?

4)  Has it been know to trigger breathing problems?  (Like a patron with asthma)

We have a small space, around 140 seats.  Concerns about setting of the fire alarm have already been dealt with.

I look forward to responces.



Clay Ross

Pro-dreamer
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