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How to Create the Cyclone for The Wizard of Oz Onstage

"The Wizard of Oz" is a classic story that begins with a tornado that destroys principle character Dorothy's Kansas neighborhood. The tornado plays a major role in setting the stage for the rest of the tale, because it is in its wake that Dorothy is transported to the fairytale-like land of Oz. Creating a tornado during a live stage performance can be a challenge to pull off. However, when planned and executed with organization and creativity, the scene depicting an act of mother nature can be communicated to the audience effectively.

Things You'll Need

  • Brown or gray clothing
  • Brown or gray face paint
  • Brown or gray fabric
  • Scissors
  • Pins
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cast someone to play the tornado in the play.

    • 2

      Dress the person all in brown or gray, including pants, shoes, shirts and gloves. Paint his face and exposed neck to match the clothing.

    • 3

      Cut strips of brown or gray fabric that are 4 inches wide of varying lengths. There should be at least 30 strips approximately 6 inches long, 30 that are 12 inches long, and 30 measuring 18 inches long. The lengths can vary depending on your preference for the look of the tornado, but it is important to have at least three different lengths.

    • 4

      Pin the shortest strips around the actor's ankles and legs, the mid-length strips around his thighs and stomach, and the longest ones to his torso and sleeves. Fill in additional strips as needed until the his clothes are covered with strips of fabric.

    • 5

      Instruct the cast member to raise his arms above his head in a V and perform tight pirouette turns in a zigzag pattern across the stage, gently bumping into the houses on the set. This will cause the strips of fabric to flail out and the descending length of the strips to create a V funnel shape as he turns.

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