Got it, thanks for the explanation and tip.
So far here are the planned effects. This is theater in the round, so the audience is up close making the effects extra special. I linked a photo of the arena below...
1. Bumping table using Al's solenoid idea
2. Swinging chandler (turning motor moves the light back and forth)
3. Moving furniture (putting one piece of furniture on a practice robot that has holomic drive). It will either spin or drive around arena, not sure yet
4. A large clock with crazy spinning hands
5. Some piece of set dressing being knocked over using a solenoid
6. Fog machine inside of fireplace shooting smoke out
7. Light changes and sound effects
8. Curtains billowing into entryways at 3 and 9 o'clock
Here is a picture of the theater arena. The set was from another murder mystery we tech directed called The Unexpected Guest:
http://www.riversidecommunityplayers...ages/arena.jpg