rec.arts.theatre.stagecraft

Milo wrote:
> In the spring we'll be doing a production of Sweet Smell of Success, a
> 1950's, very dark musical. The script has many different settngs, among them
> 5 different nightclub scenes, sometimes changing scenes within a half page
> of dialog. One of the things I'd like to do is come up with is some signage
> with a different look/color for each of the five clubs. Just a big sign with
> the name of the club. I seem to recall that there's a way to make good
> looking fake neon on the cheap. I'll probably want to make some fake neon
> and some bulb by bulb lettering, just for the different look I'd get. Have
> looked around the web and google groups but haven't really found any great
> ideas. I think the Yale Tech Notes had something but I don't have their
> books anymore.
>
> Any suggestions or guidance appreciated.

If you can use UV, this stuff works well for 'neon' signs :

/Products/

It does take quite a powerful UV source to illuminate it and a
reasonably carefully lit set helps too (if it's too bright, forget it).
The stuff I've used before (UK) is hollow, you can form it round a piece
of wire for a genuine 'neon tube' look.

It's not expensive and doesn't take long to form - worth a try at least.

HTH,

Jim.