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How to Build a Stage for Your Kids

Kids love the idea of being on stage, whether it's to sing, dance or act. In just a few hours, you can build and decorate a stage for your child's room or the family game room. Customize the project to fit your decor by using paint, stain, carpet or vinyl flooring. Get really creative and add a curtain and stage lights for a truly professional effect. The measurements provided are for a 4-foot-by-8-foot stage.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 sheets 3/4-inch plywood, 4 feet by 8 feet
  • Edge banding, to stain or paint
  • Circular, table or panel saw
  • Miter saw or miter box
  • Brad nailer
  • Glue
  • Sander
  • Paint or stain
  • Lacquer
  • Drill
  • Pocket screw jig
  • Wood Screws
  • Wood filler
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut one piece of plywood 11 1/4 inches by 94 inches and one piece at 11 1/4 inches by 92 1/2 inches. Cut two pieces that are 11 1/4 inches by 47 inches, three pieces of 11 1/4 by 45 1/2 inches, and two pieces that are 3 inches by 45 1/2 inches.

    • 2

      Miter both ends of one side of the 94-inch piece at 45 degrees. Miter one end of one side of both 47-inch pieces at 45 degrees.

    • 3

      Sand the better looking side of the 4-by-8 sheet of plywood and the nonmitered sides of the two 47-inch pieces and the 94-inch piece.

    • 4

      Form the base by attaching the 94-inch piece to the two 47-inch pieces so that they make two 90-degree angles, like a giant squared off "U." Attach the 92 1/2-inch piece flush with the backs of the 47-inch pieces using pocket screws. You should have a box that is 94 inches long, 47 inches deep and 11 1/4 inches high.

    • 5

      Space the three 11 1/4-inch-by-45 1/2-inch pieces equally inside the box. Stand them on edge long-ways so that they are 11 1/4 inches high. Attach them to the front (94-inch piece) and the back (92 1/2-inch piece) using pocket screws.

    • 6

      Attach the two 3-inch-by-45 1/2-inch pieces so that each touches the tops of the front, back and one side, using pocket screws. Note: These should stand 3/4 inch high, not 3 inches high. Make sure they are flush with the top.

    • 7

      Lay the platform top face down and place the base on top of it. Using pocket screws, attach the top so that it hangs 1 inch over each side and the front, and is flush with the back of the base.

    • 8

      Apply the edge-band around the front and both sides of the top.

    • 9

      Fill in any holes and spot sand.

    • 10

      Paint or stain to your liking. When the finish is dry, protect it with a couple of coats of lacquer. Let dry completely.

    • 11

      Attach the stage to a wall to keep it from moving, if necessary.

Childrens Theater

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