Hi

i am wondering if anyone has purchased a fog machine or a snow machine that they have used on a full size stage. If so through whom did you purchase and have you been satisfied. My stage is 50 feet so I would need 2 machines.

Careful with fog machines. Ask the venue about their use. We were not permitted to use them, because the air conditioner's intake vents would suck it up and set off the fire sprinklers.

^ Agreed. We've been told some crazy stuff by the people who run our venue. You'd be surprised at the number of things you can't do. In the past, I've seen other teachers use fog machines, but they never really give the full effect — like what you'd see in a professional show. There's never enough fog....

I used to work with a smoke machine, I would get a little to carried away though because smoking the place out is really fun and it makes the lights look good. But then the manager would come over and tell me I had to stop or the fire alarms would go off. It is fun smoking out the people on stage though - then they would do it back when I was on stage and I'd prettend to choke on it.

Anyway you need to check with the venue but it definately looks awesome, I would suggest you get two. We only had a small stage and had two but one was broke and it took a while to cover the stage.

I would recommend you talk to the venue. they have all the specifications you really need. You defintely don't want the fire alarms and sprinklers going off...

Assuming that it's okay with your venue, you might want to work with them to rent a fog machine as they can be somewhat expensive and might get a better deal than you would if you go at it alone.

However, if you're looking to invest in purchasing one, these are some of the more respected manufacturers that you might consider:

Rosco - rosco.com
MDG Fog - mdgfog.com
Ultratec (formerly Le Maitre Special Effects) - /www.ultratecfx.com

You can find links to all of these at performingarts.net . . ..