Re: [h-cost] ideas on making body-shape suit or adding weight to an actress

[michael tartaglio]

Hi. Was the issue the weight or the breathability of the garment? If 
weight, you can get inflatable bags from your local stationary supply 
(Staples, etc.), used for shipping padding, and make a bodyform where 
the bags are taped in. If you do this make sure none of the plastic is 
on her skin, it gets hot and sweaty. If the heat is an issue, remember 
that insulation results where there is a place for air to accumulate and 
warm. You can probably find some modern materials that are good at 
wicking out moisture (sweat), but heat, esp. under theatrical lights, is 
another thing. Best to do is have her rehearse in it to become 
acclimatized, and make sure she is in it as little as necessary. 
Handheld or table fans while offstage are helpful, as are cooling cloths 
(alcohol evaporates faster than water, BTW) and keep her head uncovered 
if at all possible. Clothing should be light colored to avoid absorbing 
heat radiation and, of course, lightweight natural materials are better 
than synthetics that do not breathe. Anything more will probably require 
a complex, expensive cooling system unless you can make some sort of 
balloon suit with a fan in it that both swells out the body and cools 
it...sort of being inside a Macy's Thanksgiving Day balloon. Hmmm, this 
might be workable, something to think about....Cheers, Mike T. (now 
thinking about computer fans and DC power sources, hehehehehehe!)

 

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