Cave Scene help and direction

[Fairbanks Asylum]

Hey everyone, I was looking for advice on creating a cave scene in the haunt this year. I was thinking of using chicken wire with burlap and monster mud, but I don't know how resiliant that would be to 10,000 people streaming through. So I was hoping if anyone had some great ideas or advice they would be willing to share, I for one would be really appreciative.

Thanks
Rob
Fairbanks Asylum

[backstagemike]

Rob,

It would be helpful to know what kind of budget you are working with.

-Mike

[Fairbanks Asylum]

Yea that would help... I was planning on a 6ft long hallway going into a 10 X 12 ft room. Cielings would be around 8ft high. I was hoping to keep the cost of the room below a 1000.00, not including lighting and props. But I can be flexible...

Thanks
Rob

[icarian]

Have you considered coated styrofoam? Those coatings can make that stuff so resilient its kinda incredible, plus its easy to shape, and you can usually find quite a bit of it for free (try furniture stores or rent-to-own places!)

[Greg Chrise]

What we do professionally is instead of drywall, you do what you had planned and use concrete, sand and bonding agent available these days at Lowes. Quickrete bonding adhesive you mix with water and use instead of water in the mix of 1 part portland cement and 2 parts sand. There it is, plain and simple, now I'm going to watch 40 posts about bullshit stucco products that cost $60 and $80 a bucket and foam machines and contractors that are going to cost a minimum of $2,000. This concrete mix in burlap costs about 30 cents per square foot. But, there I tried, I shared. I have caves that have been out in the wilderness for 16 years now that have survived and are only about 1/4 inch thick on a metal frame. Once you have the burlap coverage and shapes you can shoot the cement formula with a hopper, tint the material with dry tints and paint it to taste.

I even gave a seminar on this crap and no one cared so I'm not sure I want to share anymore. Sakrete has similar bonding agents. Shit I'm sharing again. Why can't I STOP! I know there is going to be a big bunch of posts of crap that is going to cost 3 times as much. Why do I do this to myself?

[icarian]

I'm definitely going to try that. I have a rockwork project coming up soon and that sounds handy as all hell.

[HalloweenHaunter]

We used Chicken wire and then covered it with burlap and sprayed Mortar onto it with a mortar sprayer.. Here's how it turned out.
IMG_1185.JPG

[Fairbanks Asylum]

Hey Greg thanks for the sharing. That is some great info. I will definately try that one out. I like the idea of the durability. Especially when the drunks get stupid in there and try to run.

Thanks
Rob

[Fairbanks Asylum]

Hey Brandon that looks good to, thanks for the picture. What kind of weight are you dealing with regarding something you have to tear down every year and store?

Thanks
Rob

[HalloweenHaunter]

I would estimate it to be 100 - 125lbs for a 4x8 Wall, it is sprayed about a 1/4in thick, this probably wouldn't be your best option if it has to be able to come down, I would probably suggest using Styrofoam and then coating it.