DIRECTING TIPS
SPECIAL EFFECTS Below are some suggestions to assist you as you tackle The Little Mermaid’s special effects. Let your imagination guide you as you develop theatrical solutions to serve the story in your production.
GROTTO DESTRUCTION See p. 22 for tips on building a grotto that is easily destructible. As an alternative to building hinged shelves, attach fishing line to some lightweight props so that they can be pulled off the unit. In addition, you can rig the Sea King’s trident with lights (see p. 26 for tips), layer in laser-like sound effects and flashing lights, and use a confetti cannon and fog machine to generate an explosive effect. If your production is employing aerial techniques, performers can stand on either side of the grotto, wrapped and hidden in aerial silks. When Triton strikes the grotto, they can spin around to create a whirlpool-like effect.
ARIEL’S TRANSFORMATION There are multiple ways to stage this, depending on your cast and budget. You can opt to use projections for Ariel’s transformation, or, if your budget allows and you have a game performer, there are a number of professional companies you can hire, including Flying By Foy and ZFX, to “fly” Ariel – or a body double – to the surface as she sheds her mermaid tail (see p. 27 for tips on creating a easily transformable costume). Similarly, you can work with an aerial arts company and utilize Spanish web, which Ariel can “climb” to the surface. (These techniques can also be employed for Eric’s drowning in “The Storm.”) Do a little research to see which company and aerial or flying option might be right for your production (see p. 44). Do not attempt to make any of your actors fly in homemade rigs or without the help of trained professionals. Keep in mind that this kind of effect will require a good amount of rehearsal time to master and make seamless. No matter how you choose to handle Ariel’s transformation, always keep safety your number one priority.
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Disney’s The Little Mermaid Production Handbook
The Grotto Destruction Roosevelt High School; Seattle, WA
A projection of Ariel’s transformation Marian High School; Omaha, NE