[SML] Haze machine

[Steven Mclean]

Ross,  I haven't read all of the replies, so pardon if this is a repeat.
My experience with hazers is that they are GREAT when they are new.  The
MINUTE they begin experiencing problems, however, they are CRAP!.  If you
can afford to buy a new machine, then you should be very pleased with it
for the first few productions that you want to use it for.  However, with a
small space, you might explore the results from cheap over-the-counter
humidifiers.  They will produce a water haze that should give you the
desired effect in a smallish black-box style space at a FRACTION of the
cost.

FWIW, when the theatrical hazers (not cracked oil, but the water-based haze
fluid type) are new and working properly, you should NOT experience RESIDUE
(except maybe a TINY amount just at the nozzle of the unit).  Once they
malfunction, you can get puddles at the nozzle, but the Haze itself is
rather benign.  A quality Haze Fluid should NOT cause breathing problems.
However, check with your actor's union rep, because I understand that
Equity may have a different opinion.

On Tue, Mar 29, 2022 at 3:41 PM Riter, Andrew via Stagecraft <
stagecraft at theatrical.net> wrote:

> 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
>
>
>
> *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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>


-- 
Steven J McLean
515-480-8461
stevenjmclean at gmail.com
designandtechtheatre.wordpress.com
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