The stage floor consists of two platforms. With the 12-foot tape measure and pencil, measure and mark the 8-foot pieces of pine lumber. Mark four 4-foot pieces for the stiles or ends of the platforms. Mark four 7-foot, 7-inch pieces for the rails or sides of the platforms. Finally, measure two 3-foot, 7-inch pieces for the toggles or center supports.
Cut the measured pieces of lumber using a chop saw or circular saw. Always wear eye protection when operating power tools.
Lay out the cut pieces for assembly in two rectangles, with the boards lying on their 2-inch edges. Use the carpenter's square to line up the corners of the platform so they are flush with the square. Screw the pieces together by inserting two 3-inch screws at each joint with the electric screwgun.
Insert the center support toggles in the center of the 8-foot side of each platform. Screw the toggles into place from the outside of the frame inward. Attach a plywood sheet to the top of each platform frame using 1 1/4-inch screws spaced approximately one inch apart.
Turn the platforms over to expose the frames. Place them edge to edge, creating an 8-foot by 8-foot square. Clamp the edges together with two C-clamps. Drill four evenly spaced 1/2-inch holes through the clamped frame pieces. Insert the bolts from one side and the flat washers and nuts from the other side. Tighten the nuts with the 1/2-inch wrench.
Flip the entire unit over and paint the top and sides with black latex paint, using a roller for the top and a brush for the sides.
Purchase or rent a box truss from a stage and performance equipment supplier. Assemble the truss in an 8-foot by 8-foot square with provided hardware. Mount on provided truss supports and raise to an 8-foot height.
Hang a purchased or rented curtain track on bottom edge of the truss piece that is closest to the audience (downstage). Attach a rented, purchased, or homemade curtain to the track.Hang the backdrop from the underside of the truss farthest from the audience (upstage). The backdrop can either be neutral or a scene specific to the performance.
Attach par can stage lights to the truss and aim them at the performance space. The majority of the lights should be mounted on the on the downstage truss and the side trusses. Colored plastic gels can be inserted into the par cans for added dramatic effect.