18. Houdini’s Set and Prop List, Part 1
Harry Houdini is one of the most famous magicians and stunt artists in history. His death-defying feats included being buried alive, locked in chains and manacles, and a terrifying water cell escape of his own design, the Chinese water torture cell. Unsurprisingly, his skills generated immense popularity, and he spent 14 years traveling the world performing his stunts. Much like any artist, he had a prop and scene list that was given to venues ahead of his performances to ensure he had all of the materials necessary to perform his feats.
Unlike many of the hilariously over-the-top new celebrity riders that demand no eye contact, specific colors of candy, and more, Houdini’s list was matter-of-fact and straightforward. It listed the time of his act as about 25 minutes. His only personal requirement was two dressing rooms nearest the stage, as he left his performances soaking wet due to the water torture cell being his grand finale. It stated that he had six people in his company. His only demand for the dressing room was the presence of a couch. Pretty simple stuff for a world-renowned master illusionist!
The vast majority of the list is technical specifications for apparatus the stage required to small pieces of furniture or props needed for various feats.