Dear Dent:

I'm always in awe of an expert Master Carpenter. This forum can be TERRIFIC. (Hi Arthur!) Thanks for replying only a few hours after I posted my questions.

I always try to experience every possible pound of the models. I have no problem breathing under 1000 lbs. so long as it is spread EVENLY across my entire body, generally lengthwise. My experience in similar runway and small stage fashion shows is wide and varied. When possible, as an audience member I will sit immediately alongside the runway and remove a supporting leg or two. Then support the platform section on my lap. (A strong chair is required, of course.) This works ideally at the farthest (from the stage) end of the runway where the girls will stop for photos, piviting several times before turning to walk back to the stage. Often near show's end, all the girls will gather at this end to take bows. Their combined weight is as beautiful as their smiles! I should mention that I have to pose as a photographer to get this choice photographer's only seating spot. I do indeed continuously take pictures while being crushed to remember the occasion. I also enjoy the "parade" at the end of shows where all the girls walk around the length several times together. The rhythm of their combined stride doubles the weight of each step as the platform bounces.

It's amazing how many of the models know exactly how a runway should feel and will look at you with a nasty glare knowing full well that you're up to something. After their first time out, I think a few of them will discuss things among themselves backstage and the next time... Normally, they are trained to look above and over the audience. If their stare stays with you as they approach, you know -- they know! Of course this doesn't stop their stride or performance one bit. They know it can't. Any variation or reaction will be captured in someone's lens which woulc invariably affect their career. That's precisely the kind of crush I live for. It's totally feminine, all knowing, and completely unstoppable.

Often stages are raised metal, identical to computer floors. I've enjoyed being under several for extended fashion and Miss Whatever shows. They are kind of a hassle as you have to crawl underneath and unscrew to shorten the supporting foot pads, to place body parts underneath them. I'm never really satisfied as their spacing only allows for about 3 or 4 to upon me. Again, I really like a lot more weight.

My best experience ever was like yours, at a friends nightclub. He had several large subwoofer cabinets that the girls would dance on. They were large enough to hold up to 10 or so women. They even had hand rails built along the top square perimiter. We experimented using several techniques including positioning the box against a false wall with a cutout for my legs or torso so the box would sit on top of my legs or hips or stomach. Another was to just lay under the whole box, but because of my gut it would be tippy enough to be noticible. (Now THAT was heavy.)

*** I should mention that it was paramount that the nightclub agreed to turn off this particular subwoofer so I wouldn't be deafened.

Another favorite method was to build a false top and to lay sandwiched between the top and the cabinet. Again, we never mastered how to keep it from feeling "tippy" due to my protruding gut. (All this was much easier when I was younger and skinnier!)

Again thanks for the quick reply. Your idea of making the center legs shorter so your cabinet would bow down on you is brilliant!!
Best wishes.
Chicago Feetling