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How to Build a 3-Sided Flat Theater

Making a three-sided theatre flat is essential for saving time and money on your set design. A three-sided flat is necessary when you require multiple scene changes and are operating on a shoe string budget. Employ the three-sided flat in lieu of building several different sets. The flats are mounted on a platform and arranged in a triangle. A running crew member can effortlessly spin the platform to reveal whichever flat is necessary to create the backdrop for the current scene.

Things You'll Need

  • Work gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • 1-by-4-by-72-inch wood rails (6)
  • 1-by-4-by-36-inch wood rails (6)
  • 1/4-by-3-inch plywood triangles (12)
  • Drill
  • 1 1/4-inch screws (multiple)
  • 1/4-by-44-by-72-inch plywood flats (3)
  • 1-by-44-inch plywood triangle platform
  • 2-inch metal wheels (3)
  • 2-inch screws
  • Latex interior paint
  • Paint brushes (multiple)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put on a pair of work gloves and safety glasses to protect your skin and eyes.

    • 2

      Fit two 1-by-4-by-72-inch wood rails and two 1-by-4-by-36-inch wood rails together into a 44-by-72-inch rectangle.

    • 3

      Place a 1/4-by-3-inch plywood triangle atop the top-right connection point of the rectangle. Drill three evenly spaced 1 1/4-inch screws into the triangle, to secure the top right connection point. Continue this step three additional times to connect all four corners of the flat frame.

    • 4

      Place a 1/4-by-44-by-72-inch plywood flat atop the frame. Drill a 1 1/4-inch screw into place every 6 inches around the perimeter of the frame. Repeat Steps 2 through 4 two times, to create a total of three identical flats.

    • 5

      Secure three 2-inch metal wheels to the bottom of a 1-by-44-inch plywood triangle platform with 1 1/4-inch screws.

    • 6

      Stand one flat onto the triangular platform. Secure the flat to the platform with 2-inch screws. Continue this process until all three flats stand upright and are secure upon the platform. Drill one 2-inch screw every 6 inches through the vertical rail on one flat, into adjacent rail on the flat to its right, to ensure a stable hold.

    • 7

      Coat each flat in Latex interior paint. Allow two hours for the flats to dry before handling.

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