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How to Build a Slip Stage

Bring more life and excitement to a theatrical performance using a slip stage. A slip stage is a smaller stage that has about 64-square feet of area. It's called a slip stage because it's wheeled and can be quickly pulled onto the stage. The stage sits low and is not more than 5 inches above the ground. Build your own slip stage with pine lumber and plywood. Use a set of swivel wheels and your slip stage can be pulled in any direction.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • 2 pine boards, 2 inches by 4 inches by 96 inches
  • 4 pine boards, 2 inches by 4 inches by 93 inches
  • 2 plywood sheets, 3/4 inch by 96 inches by 96 inches
  • Screw gun
  • 48 wood screws
  • 6 swivel wheels, 4-inch, with screws
  • Drill
  • 3/8-inch drill bit
  • 3/8-inch eye-bolt, with nut
  • Wrench
  • Rope
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set two 96-inch boards on edge, parallel and 93 inches apart. Set four 96-inch boards perpendicularly between them so that they're spaced 30 inches apart. Screw two screws through the 96-inch boards into each end of the 93-inch boards. You now have an 8-foot square frame.

    • 2

      Lay two sheets of plywood on the frame so that their 96-inch edges are parallel with the 96-inch boards. Position the sheets so that they're flush with the outside edges of the frame. Screw the sheets to the frame using 16 screws for each sheet, so eight screws enter each 93-inch board.

    • 3

      Turn the frame over and screw four wheels next to each corner, inside the frame. Make sure that the wheels can swivel freely. Screw the last two wheels in the middle of the frame so that they're spaced 48 inches apart and 23 inches away from each 96-inch board.

    • 4

      Drill a 3/8-inch hole through the 46 1/2-inch center of one of the 93-inch boards. Insert your eye-bolt through the hole and secure the nut on the inside of the frame. Tie your rope to the bolt to pull the slip stage on stage during a performance.

Stage Acting

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