Arts >> Theater >> Stage Productions

How to Make a Flat Stand Stage

Build a flat standing stage and turn any small theater production into a work of art. A flat standing stage is constructed with plywood and 2-inch by 4-inch (2x4) pieces of wood. Stages literally elevate the performance to give your theater production a physical sense of separation from the observing audience. A flat standing stage is useful for any backyard production or traveling company that performs street theater outdoors.

Things You'll Need

  • Work gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Dust mask
  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • 2 - 2-inch by 4-inch by 72-inch wood frames
  • 2- 2-inch by 4-inch by 68-inch wood frames
  • Saw
  • 120 grit sandpaper
  • Drill
  • 8 - 2 3/4 inch wood screws (8)
  • 2 - 72-inch by 72-inch plywood panels
  • 1 1/2 inch wood screws
  • 1/4-inch by 72-inch by 72-inch silicone rubber sheet (optional)
  • Sand (optional)
  • Latex satin black-colored paint
  • Paint brush
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Slide on a pair of work gloves, safety glasses and a dust mask to protect your skin, eyes and lungs.

    • 2

      Measure and cut two individual 2x4 wood frames to a length of 72 inches. Measure and cut two individual 2x4 inch wood frames to a length of 68 inches. Smooth the edges of each frame with 120 grit sandpaper.

    • 3

      Arrange the frames into a 72-inch by 72-inch square. Attach each corner of the square frame using a drill and 2 3/4 inch wood screws. Drill two screws into each corner.

    • 4

      Cut two pieces of plywood to 72 inches by 72 inches. Place one plywood panel atop the frame. Adjust the panel so the edges are flush with the frame. Place a 1/4-inch by 72-inch by 72-inch silicone rubber sheet atop the panel so all edges are flush. Drill a 1 1/2 inch wood screw through the rubber sheet and panel and into the frame. Drill a 1 1/2 inch screw every 6 inches around the perimeter of the frame. The rubber sheet prevents the stage from sliding and helps prevent any echo between the stage and the surface on which it sits.

    • 5

      Flip the stage over. Fill the stage with sand -- if such an option is available to you -- to eliminate the often inevitable echo that happens whenever an actor walks onto a stage.

    • 6

      Place the second 72-inch plywood panel atop the frame. Adjust the frame so all edges are flush. Drill 1 1/2 inch screws into the panel every 6 inches around the perimeter of the frame.

    • 7

      Coat the stage in latex satin black-colored paint. Avoid painting the rubber bottom on the underside of the stage. Allow three hours for the stage to fully dry in a well-ventilated area before using or handling.

+:
+:

Stage Productions

Related Categories