Black Art: Which Material?

Do I Need “Black 2.0” to Make Something Invisible on Stage?

This post is an excerpt from Hiding In The Shadows: Black Art For The Stage.

When planning to use black to hide something on stage, one of the first decisions is which material to use. Cheap fabric can work well with good lighting, but there are several other useful options.

Before considering materials, remember this: the lighting setup is more important than the material. Black Art can make everything from people to a massive Cinderella coach appear. A knowledgeable effects person can accomplish a great deal with inexpensive black fabric, duct tape, and a few floor lights.

You do not need to tape doors and exit signs. Entire cars and sets have appeared in theatres with house lights on.

Painted Hard Surfaces Look Like Painted Hard Surfaces

Be careful with solid materials that have been painted. A black-painted prop can work, but it will not appear perfectly flat black under lights. Painted wood looks like painted wood, and the black often reads as grey against a dead-black backdrop.

That can be acceptable for an underside of a table that does not face the audience, but painted plywood will not hide anything. Use fabric instead.

In one production, the set team painted the top of an extra-tall wall section black, hoping it would disappear against the backdrop. The result was a theatre flat with a grey top that looked out of place.

Better Black Art Material Choices

First consider what the black area will sit against. If it must blend with a theatre backdrop, the best choice is often the same material as that backdrop. Do not spend time looking for the blackest material available if it will not match its surroundings.

Theatres commonly use a heavy velvet drape called Triple Velvet. It is available from theatrical suppliers, and lighter versions may be found at fabric shops if they are not too reflective. Another useful approach is to seek out theatres disposing of old drapery. A damaged scrim can still be valuable for scenic use. Ask around, check local giveaway sites, and look for used theatre drapery you can modify.

In general, how black a material is matters more as the object becomes larger. Smaller objects have less surface area to catch light and are easier to conceal.

If the black area is on a prop and does not need to resemble the backdrop—such as under a table or inside a box—there are several good choices:

• Black auto carpet is popular with illusion builders because it is easy to apply and durable.
• Black felt works well in small shadow areas, including the gap between two objects. Avoid using it on surfaces that will be stood on because it wears quickly.
• Faux black fur can hide seams in trap doors because the pile covers the gaps.

Conclusion

Matching material and controlling light are the foundations of effective Black Art. Focus on the lighting plan first, then select a material that matches the surrounding surface and suits the intended wear.

Black Art is an extremely useful skill whenever something needs to appear, vanish, or change on stage.