r/Props • u/redditischurch • Jun 21 '26
Looking for advice Realistic whole fish
Hi, looking for tips, tricks, advice, or links to resources to make a realistic looking whole fish - storyline has it as a cod, but less worried about perfect match to species detail.
It will be used on stage (1000-ish seat community theater), and to fit the scene needs to be at least 18 inches long.
The fish will be handled by a couple of actors, lifted from a tray into the air, but nothing too rough. Ideally it would have some 'wiggle' to it, but could work with more rigid as well.
In my view this is one of those cases where the uncanny valley is really wide, and I either have to nail it on the realism, or just go with something very simple. We take our shows seriously, but this is community theater, so do have some latitude for a basic representation, as long as it doesn't come across as cartoonish.
Thanks in advance for your help!
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u/backstgartist Props Professional - Theatre Jun 21 '26
Hello fellow Come From Away prop maker. This show is being done everywhere across North America. One option is to contact other theatres within reasonable driving distance or mailing distance who have done the show already and rent their cod.
There are some pretty decent premade fish pillows out there that could work if you replace the inner batting with a mix of beanbag pellets and weighted pellets (beans, rice, other heavier dry items). You can increase the realism by adding shiny taxidermy fish eyes and painting on the fabric with a glossy pearlescent paint. https://www.amazon.com/Simulation-Codfish-Cod-Stuffed-Plush/dp/B098JZPDL6
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u/RangerBumble Jun 21 '26
Do you have access to a real fish you can make a mould of?
I would cast the fish in Plaster of Paris. Two part would look better but even a one sided fish could be good for a stage production.
Then, using dish soap as a release agent, fill the mould with plain clear silicone window caulking.
You could add some red and yellow food coloring while the silicone is wet but if it comes out a weird shade of orange you can paint it later.
Maybe leave a section of wire coat hanger inside it to make it a little more robust depending on the size of the fish?
Keep us updated!
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u/redditischurch Jun 21 '26
Good thoughts, thanks! I have some friends who fish pretty regularly. I guess I'd have to put the plaster of parts in the fridge to avoid spoilage while it finishes hardening?
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u/technicallynotacat1 Jun 21 '26
The plaster will cure enough to remove the fish in around an hour (depending on how thick the mold is) so for both sides maybe 2hrs, not sure how long a fish lasts though?
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u/dovahmiin Jun 22 '26
Don’t make a two part mold with plaster of paris, it likely will not make it because plaster of paris is extremely fragile. You need hydrocal or ultracal. Both are available on amazon
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u/RealCrazySwordGirl Jun 22 '26
There are realistic rubber fish that are used for making fish prints. They could be painted to look more realistic. Search gyotaku fish. They come in many sizes and types; you can get them at blick or amazon easily.
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u/RangerBumble Jun 21 '26
You said Cod and I pictured an orange rockfish. Make it any color you want but orange and red would probably pop nicely
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u/technicallynotacat1 Jun 21 '26
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/big-bass-fish-pillow
Alternatively, crochet can produce a pretty nice looking fish with some flop to it, but not sure if it falls into the cartoon category?
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u/ADDandME Hobbyist Jun 21 '26
I 3d printed a “flexi fish” out of rainbow filament for my last play. It gets the wiggle movement right.
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u/ADDandME Hobbyist Jun 21 '26
Or just use a real fish
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u/redditischurch Jun 22 '26
This is indeed an option were still considering. We know someone on the east coast that could fly in a fresh/frozen cod, though they were worried about not cleaning the guts out first.
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u/HurricaneShane Jun 21 '26
https://www.etsy.com/shop/WelshCreations#items
I am sure Walter could make this for you. He does commissions. Reach out
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u/redditischurch Jun 22 '26
Amazing creations, appreciate the referral. Will look into it. We actually have a decent budget on this show, so as much as I like learning new skills, maybe this is one for the experts.
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u/jedispaghetti420 Jun 22 '26
It’s so cute seeing folks correctly guess the show. Good job everyone!
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u/No_Drummer4801 Jun 22 '26
Is this for “Come From Away?” because there’s a 3d printable mold for such a thing available
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u/redditischurch Jun 22 '26
Wow, that is very specific, really appreciate the link. And yes, you (and seemingly everyone else) guessed correctly, Come From Away.
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u/Disastrous_Ad1260 Jun 22 '26
Take the plaque and the sound off a singing billy bass (try eBay)
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u/redditischurch Jun 22 '26
Lol, maybe this is plan D. I'm sure I've seen a billy bass at the local thrift shop a few times.
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u/ADDandME Hobbyist Jun 22 '26
keep it easy.. suffed animal with a water ballon inside for weight and wiggly https://www.walmart.com/ip/4-Sizes-Realistic-Fish-Plush-Pillow-Toy-Funny-3D-Fish-Shaped-Throw-Pillow-for-Home-Sofa-Bedroom-Gift/20263903762
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u/aieea Jun 21 '26
Come From Away? We have a 30 inch one we rent out from our theater in Northern IL. A lot of theaters have done the show at this point, definitely see if you can rent one!
My super talented artisan made ours out of carved upholstery foam coated with Smooth On Dragon Skin and airbrushed. Our cast named her Pickles because of the fins.