Ok ... So I'm questioning the safety of using flash paper in a dove pan when producing a sponge prop.

The dovepan that i have is the solid red double load dove pan from creativeartstore.com, Balloons, face painting, clowns, gospel magic, gospel illusions, drama resources, puppets, inspirational gifts, costumes, wigs, juggling (http://www.creativeartstore.com)

I'm asking because I want to work a routine for the Christmas Service at my church.

While singing Chris Rice's song "Go light your world" I'd do several bits with vanishing and appearing candles and then in the end use one of the candles to light some flash paper in my dove pan and produce a sponge cross.

Just an idea I have been brain storming on for a while.

But now I'm questioning the safety. I've not ever worked with fire in a magic routine before. Is it safe to try extinguish fire in a dove pan when producing a sponge prop?

I'm questioning this before I order the candles, silks, flash paper, cross, etc.

What are your thoughts on the subject? And I'd like to hear feed back on the concept/idea too.

Thanks in advance.

This is how I would perform the routine. I would present the tricks as I sang the song.

Here is a link to the song on youtube.
YouTube - Chris Rice Go Light Your World (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-XufRTMLxg)


The music would start as a candle is placed in a holder on a table
There is a candle in every soul
Some brightly burning, some dark and cold
There is a Spirit who brings a fire
Ignites a candle and makes His home
A flaming thumbtip would produce a flame to light the candle The candle is then removed from the holder and a red silk is pulled out of my pocket

So carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the helpless, confused and torn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
The candle is them wrapped in the silk
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world
The candle has vanished

Frustrated brother, see how he's tried to
Light his own candle some other way
See now your sister, she's been robbed and lied to
Still holds a candle without a flame
The silk is presented empty
So Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the lonely, the tired and worn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
The candle appears again

Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world

The candle is relit

Cause We are a family whose hearts are blazing
So let's raise our candles and light up the sky
Praying to our Father, in the name of Jesus
Make us a beacon in darkest times
A dove pan is shown empty flash paper is lit, placed into the pan and covered.

So Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the helpless, deceived and poor
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
The Foam Cross is produced.

Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the hepeless, confused and torn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world

I probably should have put this in the ministry clowning section, but since i had a question on the safety I put it here. Ideally I would probably do this out of clown. Really It could be done anytime of the year. The song is a contemporary song not really a Christmas one.

Wow Chris that is an awesome song! I have never heard that before..I listened to it sung in several different ones and your idea is really great. The flash paper has such a low point of catching fire that I dont think it would hurt...I have even lit it and held it in my hand. It goes out so very quickly..just flames long enough to give the flame effect. If you are worried about your cross catching fire you could always spray it with some flame retardent. You can usually find that in a hard ware store. Good luck! Perhaps you can share a video of it when you perform it! Would be awesome to see!

Thanks... I hadn't thought of using the flame retardant spray...

I have always loved that song. The routine is an idea of my own. Its something I've been thinking about for the past couple of months.

If it comes together I'll definately try to get video

Unless they have changed...your performers liability insurance does not cover you for use of fire.

You should be good. flash paper will disappear in a matter of seconds. and on what coco said about the insurance.. what ive read says they won't cover pyrotechnics or use of fire with the exception of flash paper, what they mean is like flame breathers and eaters. I love the idea and the song!

You can also dampen the sponge too

Wow Jamz...why didnt I think of that!

i use flash paper in my dove pan with a sponge bday cake ant i have never had any problems! the insert pan is made to put out whatever fire is made!

You will be fine with flash paper, like knute said it goes up fast and will most likely be out before you ever get the lid on.

Daft I really don't see why that deserved a groan.

Thanks to everyone else for taking the time to comment.

Chris,
Barry groaned because he is an atheist, and you were using clowning to advance *shudder* religion!

I think the number one thing to remember when using fire and a dove pan is: make sure nobody from PETA is in the audience.

Chris, what is your dove pan made out of? Metal or plastic?

If it is made out of either, flash paper will be just fine (especially since the flame won't even touch the sponge production, they are in completely different compartments).

If you are using a metal pan, you can safely put out a regular fire when inserting the second compartment even if it has a live animal in it. If it's safe for a live animal, it'll be safe for a sponge prop. Magicians do this all the time.

I know a couple of clowns who produce 3 eggs, break them in to the bottom compartment of the pan, add a little lighter fluid, and a lit match, then close the pan and produce a live chicken. The chicken has never been hurt.

My pan is metal ...I'm familiar with how it works since I've used it for production many times... I've just never used flash paper before. Thanks for the Info.

i have used lighter fluid and i normally have to wait a few seconds for the fire to get big enough to see and putting the top on puts it out immediatly so useing a flash paper should be no problem but first ask your church if they even allow fire inside i was not allowed to use fire in one banquet room as it was in the back of a small towns fire dept

The scorched Rubber Chicken is also a great prop to produce after such shenanigans.

most churches shouldnt have a problem with flames.. they burn candles all the time haha

Another reason it will be better to ask the church first is to make sure there is no smoke alarm in the area you are going to perform it. One time the smoke alarm went off when I used fire in a church basement.

Thanks for the concern. I decided to put the routine on hold maybe until next year... this will give me time to gather things and perfect the routine. I'd be doing this in a church that I've been attending since I was born ... so I'm pretty familiar with the building.

Amen to that

This could be a whole new and exciting twist to the ole fire & brimstone approach!