builing midi controllers?

[buddha fingers]

my question is about building midi controllers. it is for a live show. the idea is to have midi trggers at cetain parts of the stage or bult into a prop they may be using. for example, dude could have a cane, and everytime he hits it on the floor thunder claps. midi is not new for me by any means but building midi controllers like this is very new to me.
if i was to purchase ...say..10 midi triggers, what would be the best way to connect them to a sampler? thats how i see it working. 10 midi triggers, a sampler, and something in bewteen the two. would this be possible with an mpc? what kind of special gear would i need? i know this kind of stuff has been done im just tryin to figure it out. any help would be appriciated....even if it is just a suggestion for an article or a book or whatever. thanks
buddha fingers

[jkrummri]

I-CubeX Online Store : The Ultimate Controller
also look at Synthzone.com Midi control

[buddha fingers]

thank you for the websites. i know where to go to get what i need, now i just need to know what i need. anyone have any ideas on how this would be set up and what i need to get this done?