How can I make tree canopy for an 'Alice in Wonderland' middle school pl

Question:We're creating a park scene for Alice's reality world. My budget is limited. We have a park bench and wish to create tree canopy (looming trees over a park bench). The idea needs to be mindful of stage lighting that hangs from the ceiling (no shadows on the actors/actresses). Thanks.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: We're creating a park scene for Alice's reality world. My budget is limited. We have a park bench and wish to create tree canopy (looming trees over a park bench). The idea needs to be mindful of stage lighting that hangs from the ceiling (no shadows on the actors/actresses). Thanks.

Well for one thing...trees cause shadows. It's natural. So I really wouldn't be concerned with a little shadowing.

You can use muslin and paint it to look as if it is a few branches hanging down, you could even use rolls of the teachers paper and cut out sponges in the shapes of leaves and stamp the leaves onto the paper. If you don't like that idea then get several fake ficus trees and use them in a few spots behind the bench to give the suggestion of the park.

that's a tough problem to solve without seeing your space...

...using a scrim, some gels, and gobos you could create the effect of a tree canopy for cheap with lights...

if you have the ability to raise and lower a teaser type batton you could collect a bunch of real tree branches and varnish them so they look fresh for your run and rig them on a batton... they can then be raised and lowered out and would make a cool looking teaser...

I'm sure you'll think of something