Gaff tape is extremely widely known as a top essential handy item for all different facets of stage management. In fact, there are many articles written about the many top uses of gaff tape for any and all theatrical, film, and stage lighting needs! Here’s a few key points to follow suit:
1. Holding the Universe together
Stage managers hold a rather large responsibility to have within reach, certain imperative tools which they must have readily available at all times! Gaffers tape is one of the most beloved of these essential items, as it has amazing variability in its different possible uses. The stage manager’s, as well as an entire show’s well-being, is determined solely by the presence of gaff tape in their theatre or venue. The show must always go on, but only will go on if there is always gaff tape nearby. Seeing as to how the stage manager’s entire universe consists solely of their stage or venue and its inner workings, such a diverse item is a lifesaver most all of the time. Some more tangible uses include:
2. Fixing or creating clothing items during a performance
Although there probably have been many complete outfits crafted entirely from gaff tape, this type of use is more commonly a temporary fix on and off the stage. Some crafty solutions to wardrobe malfunctions are: using tape to hold up stockings like a garter, replacing broken or worn out elastic in skirts and dresses, as a new belt (in emergencies), and to create stripes on blank clothing. The possibilities are endless with the combination of clothing, (or any costumes) and gaff tape.
3. On-Stage Multipurpose
Placing gaff tape on props to add color, or even to secure them to a moving set, are reasonable uses for the essential tool. One huge technical necessity in a show is to always mark center stage, ideally with gaffers tape! Actors can even combine the last category of clothing, and opt to muffle the sound of their shoes on stage by wrapping them in gaff tape.
4. Backstage Hot Commodity
Many crew members use gaff tape in different technical and mechanical ways behind the curtain. For example, some as wheel locks for rolling equipment and props, to mark sight lines, as a caution, signifying stairs and edges during theatre blackouts, and as a cover for any unwanted visible logos on props and costumes!
5. To fix and create props
This valuable tool can be used on any kind of prop, and is a universally proper fix for entire sets. Tape will hold together props and sets temporarily, until finally screwed together. It can be used as a patch for stage curtains when they inevitably rip, to cover sharp or hard edges on sets and props which are dangerous to actors and crew, or simply as masking tape to outline painting areas.
6. As a general lighting quick tool!
Gaff tape can become a rather mandatory item when working on a lighting crew, as it can be used to tape gels to spotlights, keep a projector angled at the proper tilt, to replace strain reliefs and other delicate yet necessary mechanics, and of course marking on the stage where lights are to be focused.
7. Sound Crew Must-Have
On stage, microphones and sound equipment is usually hidden, or concealed as tightly as possible, which can easily be done with gaff tape, as well as other mundane and minor (but nonetheless required!) tasks such as holding together headsets, wrapping up frayed wires, fixing microphone stands, and even making sound effects as it tears, crumples, and unsticks.
8. Medical Go-To
Even though serious injuries should be taken care of immediately by professionals, minor scrapes and scratches can be nursed and covered with gauze and gaff tape! There is even a possibility a simple twisted ankle or weak knee can be wrapped and supported with gaff tape, as an effective and rather obvious replacement for athletic tape.
9. As a new handle grip on nearly any object
Whether it be a garden/shed tool or a flashlight, tape can be wrapped in a thick manner to provide comfort and better grip and promote greater overall dexterity!
10. Miscellaneous Tape: the glue that holds a show or performance together!
Gaff tape can be used to waterproof any item, fix essentially any physical malfunction temporarily, correct color on any costume, prop, or set, and finally… everything!!!
