Remote controlled cars and helicopters can be used to create all sorts of “wireless” effects. These can be relatively inexpensive to buy, but there are some limitations with the cheaper vehicles.

I acquired a X-Mod remote control car a few years ago, and believe it to be one of the best for theatrical use. This car is battery operated and able to be taken apart easily. It was designed so that modifications can be made simply to the vehicle, similar to the kinds of modifications available in real street racing cars that have recently become so popular.  This feature makes the parts easily removable and leaves room for more interesting effects without ruining your investment. 

Other things to take into consideration when purchasing a car is the battery life of the specific car and the amount of noise created.  They all make some noise, but there are some that are louder than others.  Also, the sound design may want to take the car noise into account and plan something to help mask it.  Keeping an extra battery pack or extra batteries on hand is always a good idea.  Running crews sometimes forget to charge the battery between shows, and this can spell disaster for the effect associated with it.

Recently there has been news of remote controlled cars that can be controlled via Bluetooth.  The possibilities for use in theater may expand with this innovation, but it is too soon to know for sure. 

My favorite effect with this tool was when I created a phantom page turn using this car. I was able to remove the tire from the rim and the rim from the axle. I drilled a small hole in the rim and tied fishing line through. As I ran the car the rim acted as a drum for the fishing line and as it wound, the page turned.  Remote control cars can also come in handy for a variety of effects including things as simple and silly as movement of the runaway chicken in Into the Woods. 

Anytime something small needs to move onstage without human contact, the remote control car should be considered as a possibility.

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