Additional information
by Darren Tien (Contribution by), Adeline Ng (Contribution by), J. C. Sum (Author)
The "Ultimate Kabuki Drop Resource" is a must-have for any theatre or stage practitioner looking to add a strong piece of stagecraft to their shows or performances.
This book is the definitive reference on the Kabuki Drop.
A Kabuki Drop is a stagecraft technique and a release system that drops an open suspended curtain to the floor for a dramatic reveal.
Whether you are a director, producer, production manager, dancer, magician, musician, variety artiste, burlesque performer or any other theatrical stage practitioner, a Kabuki drop can be used to add a dramatic wow-moment to your show or act.
This book is a comprehensive compilation resource that explores the history, techniques, components, workings and systems of Kabuki Drops. It includes original drawings, ideas and research.
Contents include:
- History of Kabuki Theatre
- Kabuki Stagecraft & Curtain Drop
- Evolution of the Kabuki Drop
- Basic Components of the Kabuki Drop
- Manual Kabuki Drop Systems
- Electronic Kabuki Drop Systems: Linear Solenoid Kabuki Drops & Electromagnetic Lock Kabuki Drops
- Double Kabuki Drop System
- Build, Buy or Rent Kabuki Drops
- Glossary
- References
Also detailed is a collection of six designs for simple manual curtain drop methods & designs that can be adapted to any theatrical performance or special event.
The systems explained include the "World's Easiest" Drop, "The Peel" Drop, "The Pull" Drop, "Pin & Loop" Drop, "Pull Back" Drop and "Roll & Drop" Drop.
Each Kabuki Drop system includes measurements as well as detailed step-by-step instructions on what you need to get and how to put it together.
Even if you do not have a production or technical background, you will be able to understand how to go about making each system through clear descriptions and drawings.
All designs can be made easily without a professional workshop or machining although you will need to cut, drill, saw and sew items that are readily available at good hardware stores.
The systems are perfect to install in small to medium theatres and options are also given on how to break them down for easy transport and touring shows.
For more info, visit http: //MagicKabukiDrop.com
Author Biography
Born & raised in Singapore, J C Sum is a headline entertainer, author & creative entrepreneur. He is an international award-winning illusionist and has performed over 3500 shows in 34 countries on 4 continents. More than 120 million people have seen his magic on live shows & television with appearances on 26 programs across the world (www.jcsum.com). J C is one of the most commercially successful illusionists in Asia and currently performs regularly as a headline entertainer for luxury cruise liners and corporate events in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. As a creative entrepreneur, he runs a magic production house that produces shows and consults for events & TV. He also developed several successful online properties in niche domains such as IllusionBooks.com, IllusionBookStore.com and BackstageBusinessAcademy.com. He has authored more than a dozen books covering a variety of subjects including technical illusion design, theatre stage craft as well as business & marketing for creatives. J C graduated from the National University of Singapore with a Bachelors of Arts in English Language & Sociology with a minor in Philosophy. Since 2008, J C has given numerous talks locally & overseas on his perspective and approach to creativity and creative entrepreneurship for numerous organizations as well as TedX Talks and TechFests. He has been nominated for a "Spirit of Enterprise" business award and has been featured in leading business publications such as The Business Times and The Edge. J C is the curator of MagicKabukiDrop.com, the world's most comprehensive resource site on Kabuki Drops, a stagecraft technique and curtain release system. He is also the inventor of the Pro Magic Kabuki Drop System which is a low-cost & lightweight manual Kabuki Drop system.
