(via jcdietrich)

The cast and crew who were present for the final night.

The Magic of our Blood Rigs

Very early on, I knew that I wanted ribbon for blood effects in the show. Nick and Chad were on it early on, but it was hard to find something practical to use in fights where actor’s hands were both on a large weapon.

I can’t remember exactly who or how we came up with it, but we ended up with a really elegant solution that WOW'ed everyone, including ourselves. 

A collection of ribbons were held together with a pair of 10 lb rare earth magnets and then taped up with some red duct tape. Then all of the ribbons were tucked down the hakama (pants) of the target, leaving only the small taped up magnet exposed.

Then when the metal tips of the weapons were placed near the target, the blood rig would attach itself to the blade, and when the weapons was withdrawn, pull the entire rig out with it.

We weren’t able to get it to work 100% of the time. I think the largest factor was if the blood rig shifted during the fight, prior to the strike. I think out of the entire show we missed 3/27 or a 11% failure, which is OK as the fight looks great without the blood. But when they did hit, it gave the sense of spectacle that we wanted, and that is so appropriate for the kabuki style.

World’s Largest Oshiguma?

As a gift to the director, the cast created this massive oshiguma on silk that contains all of their images from the final Friday performance.

I am amazed and awestruck! Thank you guys for all of your hard work, and this stunning keepsake.

KWLT has a tradition that the cast may decorate a brick commemorating the show. Chris Klein headed up the effort. He created 4 different stencils and sprayed 4 different colors to get the show image on the brick. Then after the final show, each cast member left a finger smudge of their makeup on the brick. Finally to preserve it all, it was given a clear coat. Stunning work that will serve of a reminder of what we created together.