Shotgun/Rifle prop

[Phil Funkenbusch]

Seeking advice for stage prop - the shotgun Atticus shoots in the stage version of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD.

Thanks!

[Erich Friend]

Weapons management, blocking, and performer training are all key elements in planning the use of both passive weapons (knives, swords, sticks, clubs, etc.) and active weapons (guns, chainsaws, cannons, explosive devices, etc.).  Your Weapons Master / Fight Master / Fight Choreographer must have prior experience and training in this area and be able to demonstrate their knowledge clearly and authoritatively.  If they cannot show adequate competency - hire someone that can provide this level of service.

***** Hundreds of actors and crew members have been injured or killed by
miscalculations of the use and condition of 'prop' weapons equipment. *****

Keeping your weapons locked-down and secured at all times that they do not need to be in the performer's hands is extremely important.  Do not allow anyone but the performer and the propmaster handle the weapons.  Violations of this rule can get people killed.  Violators should be removed from participation in the show.

Obtaining ALL the necessary permits and permissions in writing is time consuming but necessary.  If police, security, and/or administrative personnel (teachers, principals, superintendents, deans, college presidents, building managers, etc.) are left out of the loop it can cause misunderstandings that can end tragically.

Firearms are generally considered pyrotechnics if they are in any way operated to display smoke, fire, or concussive noise.  Ensuring that all pyrotechnic permits and licenses have been secured for this use is also necessary.

Passive Weapons and Firearms that are not used pyrotechnically can be misunderstood by casual observers, so make sure they are treated as if they are live weapons with regard to training, permissions, and security.

Blocking of the performers must be arranged so that no one in the cast, crew, or audience is in the path of any gas or solids that may be ejected from a weapon.

Rehearse all blocking and operations of the weapon on a closed set until such time that all the approving authorities agree (in writing) that the effect is being performed safely and that the safety procedures are well established, and that the performers are skilled enough and comfortable with the effects and weapons.

Once approved for open rehearsal, stage a demonstration and explanation of the safety protocols to the house crew, stage crew, and other supporting actors so that they will be informed about the activity to transpire onstage.

It may be considered a 'show spoiler', however it is a good idea to insert a warning into the printed program and post signage in the lobby that pre-warns the audience that there will be prop weapons used onstage during the performance.  This may be required by your local AHJ.  There would be nothing worse than to have an audience member suffer a heart attack or panic in the presence of the weapon, unless maybe they drew their own weapon and fired in a misguided but well-intentioned attempt to protect the audience.  This sounds unlikely, but it could happen. (I'm not an anti-gun liberal, just a cautious person.)

[Phil Funkenbusch]

Thank you, Erich, I appreciate that information. I'm looking into the right kind of prop gun to rent or buy. If you have any ideas about that, I'd appreciate that, too. Thanks!

 

[Erich Friend]

Airsoft is a widely distributed manufacturer of plastic replica guns.  Their detailing is superb and their cost is amazingly low.  They make just about every kind of gun replica you can imagine.

[Phil Funkenbusch]

Thanks, Erich! I appreciate that info.

Phil

[Debra Krajec]

Milwaukee Rep is doing this play NOW, runs thru mid March, I think.

Jim Guy, their propsmaster, is stellar,  he might be able to give you advice. He is stage weapons expert.

 

Good luck.

Debra

 

[Phil Funkenbusch]

Thank you so much!

[Robert S. McCLeary]

Weapons of Choice

http://weaponsofchoicetheatrical.com/gun_rental.htm

Rents a 22 caliber blank firing shot gun.

 

[Debra Krajec]

I have used Weapons of Choice before with mostly positive results.

[Phil Funkenbusch]

I appreciate that, thanks!

[Scott Bloom]

As an actor who has had his nose singed by a blank fired at his face from about 4 feet away, and as someone who has done a little work in pyrotechnics for the stage, please, please make sure everyone is properly educated on handling even the most innocuous weapons.

[Phil Funkenbusch]

Yes, that's why I want to make sure to do this right. Have heard lots of stories. Thanks, Scott.

[Richard T. Young]

How far away will the closest audience member be?   If the gun looks fake or like a toy, you lose everything that the moment should be.  And it's a rifle isn't it?  Jem and Scout are amazed at their father's marksmanship, something they didn't know about him.