Oklahoma Props - Hay bales and straw babies

Coxy | 07/02/2011 - 21:45

We are doing a production of Oklahoma! and I need to make or buy very cheaply a couple of straw dolls - any ideas??
Also, with some cast member allergic to hay and straw, I'm looking for ideas on how to create fake hay bales.
Any advice would be much appreciated - Thanks in advance

previous forum topic | next forum topic | email this forum topic | 1228 reads

The show is set before hay bales were developed

Author: JoeMc
Date: 24/02/2011 - 08:56

The Show is set in or about 1907 at the advent of it's Statehood, some 30 odd years before the first hay baling machines started to appear. Prior to that the hay was loose stacked in barns for drying out.

So why use hay bales on the set?

From a craft shop I believe you can buy plastic straw to make the straw dollies they may even sell them made up.

The Trouble is Joe

Author: Logos
Date: 24/02/2011 - 11:03

That everyone kind of expects hay bales in Oklahoma. I had the same argument a few years ago with someone. I cheated in the end by refusing to allow non fire-proofed hay bales on my stage. An impossible request I imagine. They used crates instead.

Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing.
www.tonymoore.id.au
www.moorebooks.net.au

That's a good point Logos

Author: JoeMc
Date: 24/02/2011 - 18:17

That's a good point Logos - 'Flame retardant' props & set pieces, something that rarely happens here.

Frankly with the warm props problems forget the hay bales, just place a hayrick or whatever painted on a back drop.

Because no matter how the hay is treated, like any hint of smoke on stage, all the coughers flare up.

You could use Raffia

Author: JoeMc
Date: 04/03/2011 - 21:44

You could use RAFFIA covering on a cardboard or wooden box. Then using white wood gue in a watered down milky solution &/or mix with paint to cover the raffia, which dries clear & will affix the raffia to hold it in place.

Flame retardent can also be mixed in as it works well with raffia & cardboard.

This might give you an idea or even buy some;- http://www.dallaswesternparties.com/hay_bales.htm

Oklahoma Props - Hay bales and straw babies

Comment viewing options