Instructions to Make a Fountain Prop
- Any type of water fountain requires three basic elements: a reservoir for collecting the water, a pumping mechanism, and a spigot. The trick in designing a fountain for the stage is to "hide the magic." While the reservoir and the spigot may certainly be visible to the audience, and will usually provide a strong design element on the set, hiding the pumping mechanism itself is important. Providing power to the pump is critical too. Consider both design and technical requirements that account for these factors. Remember that water fountains are not generally mobile: they are usually permanent features of a "one unit" set. This reality will affect placement of the fountain unit on the stage.
- Inexpensive fountain or "garden" pumps are available at local home improvement stores and in stock throughout the year. Pumps come in various sizes according to the number of gallons of water cycled per hour. Pump sizes also differentiate by the maximum height the pump can "lift" the water. Of the two measurements the "lift height" factor is most important for stage design considerations. A small pump that has a lift limit of just 48 inches will not work in a fountain design that has a 6-foot "spigot" height. Keep in mind bigger pumps will emit more noise than smaller pumps. The noise made from a larger pump will be too distracting for use on stage so locate those well off-stage and connect it to the reservoir with "closed system" of water lines and connectors. You'll need to determine how to provide electricity to the pump and how that power can be quickly turned on and off as necessary, both at the stage level and from the control booth.
- Any waterproof vessel can collect and store the water as long as it is of sufficient depth. Determine this correct depth by the design of the fountain pump: pumps have an intake port that is located along the bottom of the unit. This port has to be under water at all times or the pump will emit a loud sputtering noise. The reservoir must be deep enough to provide this coverage.
- The distance from the reservoir to the spigot has to be under the pump "lift" limit. A long "fall" of water will produce the most "falling water" sound too, which is not always pleasant and can even cause discomfort for audience members. A gentle bubbling or trickling of water is better for stage use. Break up the fall by lowering the spigot height or inserting "break up" objects between the spigot and the reservoir.
