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How to Build a Mantle for a Set Theatre

Theater set designers need to be creative and cost conscious in presenting a believable backdrop for performers. A scene taking place in a living room can benefit from furniture and other props, but the audience will especially appreciate details like a fireplace mantle on the set. While it certainly won't be a working element, the right lighting will allow for a flat-screen television to be placed in the opening below the mantle to display a flickering fire for increased realism.

Things You'll Need

  • 6-foot wood board, 1-inch by 10-inch
  • Circular saw
  • 6-foot wood board, 1-inch by 8-inch
  • 6-foot wood board, 2-inch by 6-inch
  • 6-foot wood board, 1-inch by 12-inch
  • Wood glue
  • Clamps
  • 2 5-foot wood posts, 6-inch by 6-inch
  • Screws
  • Nails
  • Paint
  • Black poster paper or printed sheets of faux brick
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut 2 inches off the length of the 1-inch by 10-inch board using the circular saw. Cut 4 inches off the length of the 1-inch by 8-inch board and 5 inches off the length of the 2-inch by 6-inch board.

    • 2

      Lay the 1-inch by 12-inch board on a flat surface. Glue one of the big sides of the 1-inch by 10-inch board and place it flat on the 1-inch by 12-inch board, flush to one of the long edges and equally spaced on the ends.

    • 3

      Glue the 1-inch by 8-inch board and lay it on the 1-inch by 10-inch board, maintaining the flush side and even spacing from the previous board on the ends. At this point, your stack of three boards will have 1-inch to 1 and one-half-inch stair steps on the front and sides.

    • 4

      Glue and place the 2-inch by 6-inch board on top of the 1-inch by 8-inch board in the stack you are creating. Maintain the flush side and even spacing from the ends of the previous board. This finished piece will be inverted when you place it on the posts, with the 1-inch by 12-inch board serving as the top of the mantle.

    • 5

      Clamp the stacked boards together and allow the glue to dry for four hours.

    • 6

      Screw a 6-inch by 6-inch post to the wall of the backdrop where the mantle will be placed. Measure 4 feet from the inside of the wooden post and make a mark on the backdrop wall. Place the the edge of the second post at the mark, creating a 4-foot opening for the fireplace. Screw the second post to the backdrop.

    • 7

      Lift the mantle you glued and flip it over so the longest, widest board is on top. Place the mantle on top of the posts, with the flush side against the backdrop. Hammer a nail at an angle through the front of each of the posts up into the 2-inch by 6-inch board. These toenails will help support the mantle and keep it in place. Put two rows of four evenly spaced screws into mantle from behind the backdrop for additional support.

    • 8

      Paint the mantle either white or a color appropriate for the rest of the set.

    • 9

      Cut a piece of black poster board or faux brick panel the size of the opening for the fireplace to give the mantle depth. Attach the piece to the backdrop wall with glue.

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