How do you make fake liquids look real on stage? I came across this great conversation over on the SMnetwork (SM for Stage Managers of course! Have your stage managers perused their forums?) From different types of booze, to blood, there’s even a recipe for how to make glass! One thing to take into consideration, which I would never have thought of, is how stage lights can change the colour of liquids and how you need to take that into account when making these concoctions. Here’s another fake drink site to look through, and while we’re on the topic of liquid, check out this extensive discussion on making it rain on stage, not with lighting effects but with actual water. (as opposed to what, orange juice?) And this one. And one more! I like the comment that the thing few think about is just how much water it takes…

Classroom exercise: Have you done this in your Stagecraft classes? Give students a variety of liquid situations on stage: blood, drinks, even rain! And have them come up with (individually or in groups) possible solutions to make them look real. Once they come up with their own solutions, then have them research what the professionals do. How close are they? Maybe their solutions will work just as well.