High School Tech
Platforming, things to stand on, stage decks, etc.
TurnTable2Turn tables have been used in theater for a very long time. They allow for quick scene changes. They can be effective in adding movement to the show. On Broadway, a great example of turn table use is in the musical, Les Mis. They use the ta
PlatformingHere's a mix-n-match set of platform methods. The open framed part is called a parallel.The platforms on the top are comprised of a basic 4x8 and a 4x4 platform framed using 1x6 lumber. The bottom platforms are only slightly different as th
Caster Corner & PlatesThis Caster Corner, for lack of a better term, was custom designed and built. It is made of 1/4″ steel plate & angle iron. As you can see, it fits the 2×4 nicely. Countersink the holes and the platform lid sits flat. . The holes in the angl
Turn TablesPlain old Elmer’s Wood Glue. Lots of it… It’s very important to spread the glue out evenly. Clamping with even pressure will assure a good grip. The turntable itself is made up of three layers. The top is 3/4″ ply. So is the middle, but thi
Rotating PlatformA platform, any shape.Wheels.A pivot point.A method of keeping it from wandering off the pivot point.A drive. This can be hand driven or motorized.A method to stop it from turning. A brake and/or locking device. Let’s start with a basic, ro- Platforming Article #1Hello Again and welcome to the Tech Corner. This month I am going to start a series of articles on platforms. We will try to cover everything from parallels to triskets to space age stressskin and everything in between.Platforms in some for
Platforming Article #2Welcome once again to the Techie's Corner. This month we are continuing our series on platforms. This month we will talk about the most common platform in the theatre, the ubiquitous 4 x 8 stock platform and it's close friends, the small gr
Platforming Article #3The Triscuit and the Texas Triscuit. An Introduction to Stressed Skin Platforming Welcome to this month's Techie's Corner. The last two articles have discussed types of stock platforming that have been around for several centuries, the para
Platforming Article #4Hello again, and welcome to the Techiest Corner. In the last three articles we have looked at a number of different types of platforms. Not every type, just some of the most used and the most well-known. Now we are going to look at how to e
Platforming Article #5Legs, Legs, Legs! (Betty Grable, Eat Your Heart Out!) Once again, welcome to the Techiest Corner. In the last few articles we have talked about platforms, the types of platforms, special platforms and how to brace them. This month we will
Platforming Article #6It may seem that I am making such a strong point for stud walls that they are the best way to leg platforms. While stud walls are indeed one of my favorite methods, they are far from the only one I use. There are conditions where stud walls
Stairs 1I couldn’t resist! The railing is coming along. Each spindle has been cut to it’s own size. We’re using a forced perspective technique to increase the apparent depth and size of the stairs. Mid way in our building of Mame’s main stair case.
Stairs 2This is from our discussion on building escape stairs. Two huge sets of stairs. The base for the one of the main stair units. Notice the 2×4 block under the right side. It’s there simply to keep the frame from rolling around while we work.
Spiral Stairs for TheatreWhen it comes to creating an eye-catching and dynamic theater set, few elements have the visual impact of a set of curved stairs. Not only do they add depth and dimension to your stage, but they also offer a unique challenge to the technica
Escape StairsEscape stairs. I recycled this set of escape stairs from another show. You'll notice the platform on the floor. The other set of stairs to the right were built for this height. All escape stairs are to have railings. These stairs were built
Laying a Masonite DeckThis article is by G. Patrick McCreary. He was my TD at Bennington over 30 years ago. Patrick wrote this while TD at Indiana University of PA in 2013. It has been my experience over the past 25 years or so that “DURON”, a product of The Mas