Mr. Widdle and I are finally embarking on some much need improvements to the Suitcase of Wonders Miniature Magic Theater. Beginning with the always finicky and drab-looking footlights, whose upgrade is long overdue, we have found a set of beautiful copper painted, old fashioned dollhouse lights. Their intended purpose seems to be to hang from a dollhouse ceiling, but when inverted they make for a fine-looking stage footlight. Best of all, they are battery operated!
Years ago, we had looked into dollhouse lighting for the theater, but the only kind available needed wiring and an electric supply of some sort. Instead Mr. Widdle located some battery-powered mini thumb-sized LED lights that served us well for years. But I had always hoped to someday replace them with some authentic-looking stage footlights. Well, time and technology have responded with these well-crafted and beautiful lights. Did I mention they are also magnet-mounted for easy attachment and removal? Well, they are, and it’s a delight.
Years ago, we had looked into dollhouse lighting for the theater, but the only kind available needed wiring and an electric supply of some sort. Instead Mr. Widdle located some battery-powered mini thumb-sized LED lights that served us well for years. But I had always hoped to someday replace them with some authentic-looking stage footlights. Well, time and technology have responded with these well-crafted and beautiful lights. Did I mention they are also magnet-mounted for easy attachment and removal? Well, they are, and it’s a delight.
To accommodate the different size and shape of these new footlights, we must now replace the wood flooring, also long overdue. We will continue to use the fine black walnut dollhouse flooring, but now it will be mounted onto a sturdy slab of maple wood, instead of poster board.
But the footlights are not all! We have also acquired two carriage lights (with the same copper coloring) that will be mounted on the Suitcase of Wonders sign. They will have tinted gels installed that will give off a lovely orange glow from above the stage. Very classy.
But the footlights are not all! We have also acquired two carriage lights (with the same copper coloring) that will be mounted on the Suitcase of Wonders sign. They will have tinted gels installed that will give off a lovely orange glow from above the stage. Very classy.
Last but not least, we have upgraded our apron display easel from a wooden stand to a lighted brass one. It looks stunning, and will really help to highlight the “Coming Up” signs in between illusions, as well as the “Please Take One” sign for the candy dish at intermission.
These new lighting improvements are making me consider performing more often in darker situations. After all, this programme is billed as an evening stage show.
These new lighting improvements are making me consider performing more often in darker situations. After all, this programme is billed as an evening stage show.