Improvements in Theatrical Apparatus for Stage Effects.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 23rd Dec., 1893-Accepted, 10th Feb., 1894
COMT LEIE DIDUITIVATION.
Improvements in Theatrical Apparatus for Stage Effects.
I HARRY GRATTON PLUNKETT of Oak Lodge, Feltham, Actor, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:—
My invention consists of a box like construction entirely open at the front, and
is framed up of rectangular shape much after the form of a small stage. The front
is provided with projecting pieces all round, and it is intended to drape the pro-
scenium opening on each side of the same with a similar material of like colour so
as to represent a limited opening to the ordinary stage proscenium. My apparatus
of box like structure, is entirely lined within with dark velvet except as to the floor
of the same, and it is provided with openings at the back, and at each side that may
be required for the entrance or exit of performers or stage properties.
The principal part of my invention, consists in forming the floor of my improved
apparatus with mirrors, and for this purpose I prefer using large sheets of glass
silvered at the back, and where joints are necessary, I form them with a direction
from the front to the back of the apparatus. Such joints are made with as fine
workmanship as possible so as not to be visible from the audience. The back of my
apparatus is made to open outwardly, with an additional curtain, to allow for the
entrance and exit of figures or properties without admitting any light from behind.
I also propose to allow for two curtained entrances at each side of my apparatus as
before mentioned, and above these entrances I form a perforation for the passage
of light, such as the lime light or electric light as may be required, and which is
hereinafter more especially referred to.
The object of my apparatus, is to form a small stage or space in which a theatrical
dancer may perform with a stage effect hitherto not obtained. A powerful light
from the centre of the auditorium is thrown upon the figure which is dancing or
otherwise performing upon the glass floor. The light will only illuminate the
figure, and no background can be seen, and no shadow will be thrown upon the
mirrored floor or the background. The light itself will not be reflected from this
mirrored floor, but only such reflected light will be seen upon the floor as is given
off from the dancing figure. Thus there will be the effect of dancing upon water
or in space, and the desired effect will be obtained.
Special effects can be obtained through the agency of the mirrored floor if
required, by reflecting from a painted ceiling of my improved apparatus on to such
mirrored floor. In this case the ceiling would be higher than in the previous case
so as to be out of view from the lowest seats in the auditorium, and the ceiling would
be painted in the required colours instead of having a covering of dark velvet.
Lights are now placed at the side of the box corresponding to the wings of the
ordinary stage, and these will shine upon the mirrored floor or figure as may be
required. may arrange to place certain moving perforated cards or similar
devices in front of this light, when a wavy effect is given upon the floor, or the
ordinary magic lantern effects can be produced through its openings by means of
powerful lights, such as electric light or lime light.
In order to add greater theatrical effects, I propose to use my invention as
follows:
When the curtain to the stage is drawn up, the box like apparatus will be

page_text: disclosed, and in the centre a stage property is exhibited of any required
description, such as for example a group of water lilies, and in these a theatrical
dancing figure will be temporarily hidden. This group of lilies can be arranged to
gradually open out its flowers under a subdued light, and the dancer will then step
out and the property be withdrawn through the back of my apparatus. The light
from the auditorium will be increased to a full liglit, and the dancing or other
performance will commence. The dancer or performer is provided with shoes
partially or wholly covered upon the soles and heels with rubber, to prevent
slipping upon the polished surface.
In order to obtain wind effects, I propose to have pipes in the aforesaid
property which can be withdrawn, and also at the side of the apparatus, by means
of which air can be blown in upon or underneath the drapery of the dancing
figure, so as to give a floating effect in space. This air will for preference be
warmed and forced in by gentle pressure through the agency of a descending
cylinder, with a weight attached. During the performance of this dance, I reduce
to the lowest limit, the general lighting of the auditorium, and also all stage lights
other than those required for my invention. If I should require to obtain a special
effect of my dancer performing in mid air, I paint the interior of my box like
apparatus to represent clouds and sky, and the adjoining drapery may then be
arranged to further carry out this illusion.
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, reference is had to
the accompanying sheet of drawings, in which like parts are marked by like letters
of reference throughout.
Fig. 1 is a sectional plan of my improved apparatus,
Fig. 2 is a front elevation showing also the back of the apparatus, and
Fig. 3 is a section from front to back.
The whole of the portion shown in section upon this drawing and exposed to the
view of the audience, is covered with dark velvet except the mirrored floor
marked A. This glass mirrored floor is carefully packed underneath with felt or
such like material, which in its turn lies upon level boards, constructed upon suitable
framing.
The openings in my improved apparatus are marked by the letter B for the back,
and B, B for the side openings. The perforations above the side openings for the
lime or electric lights are marked C in Figure 3.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
:-
1. The improved theatrical apparatus of box like construction open at the front
and provided with a mirrored floor substantially as and for the purposes set forth
in this Specification.
2. In a theatrical apparatus a box like construction open at the front to the
audience and lined throughout with black velvet in combination with a floor formed
wholly or in part by mirrors substantially as described.
3. In a theatrical apparatus a box like construction open at the front and
painted inside to obtain any required effect in combination with a floor formed of
glass mirrors.
4. In a theatrical apparatus of box like construction open to the front, a mirrored
glass floor laid upon a soft bed of felt or the like and suitable framing constructed.
to be readily removable from the superstructure of the apparatus which is formed
with suitable openings for light and egress covered where required by the lining or
curtains substantially as and for the purposes described.
5. A theatrical apparatus of box like construction open at the front and lined
with suitable material, with a floor formed from glass mirrors, laid on a bed of soft
material, the sides provided with openings at each side for lighting purposes, and

page_text: other openings at back and sides covered by the lining of the box for egress, and
the box with pipes at suitable points for the supply of currents of warm air,
substantially as described and shown and for the purposes specified.
Dated this 23rd day of December 1893.
GEO. H. RAYNER,
37, Chancery Lane, London, Agent for the Applicant.