Assess the production to determine what type of mood the stage setting requires. Talent shows, comedy or other acts that vary throughout the production often work best with a traditional curtain backdrop. Most stages are already equipped with a curtain that can be used for such productions. Other productions, such as plays and musicals may benefit from an artistic backdrop. Consider the setting of the play and decide what type of backdrop image would best compliment this setting and the emotional tone of the production.
Discuss with the production crew what options will be within your production's budget. If your budget will allow it, purchasing or special-ordering a backdrop may work best. If your budget is minimal, consider talking to local art students. Explain to your situation and production to the art students, who may then be willing to work for a reduced wage or other form of payment. If you and your production team have already made decisions on the backdrop, present a sketch of your ideas to the art students to help them develop the backdrop for the play.
Incorporate stage props that compliment the backdrop. For example, if the production is a dramatic play set in feudal Japan you might consider a backdrop that features Japanese imagery. Then choose stage props such as wooden bridges and tufts of grass around a "koi pond" or potted bamboo to symbolize a forest. Other possible props could be folding screens, low tables with floor cushions or a giant temple bell/gong. The stage props should enhance and compliment the stage backdrop, and enhance the mood set for the production.
Utilize lighting and lighting techniques to alter the backdrop, rather than using multiple backdrops that are changed during the performance. Lighting placed behind the backdrop can help draw attention to one "scene" of the backdrop while darkening other "scenes." This allows the same backdrop to serve multiple purposes in one production. Spotlighting and colored lighting may also help to adjust and alter the mood of the backdrop without distracting the audience's attention from the performance.