Build A Home Stage!
A stage is essential to performances of any kind, whether for major productions or small backyard plays. A homemade stage does not need to be as elaborate as a Broadway Theatre; just a few pieces from the hardware store and some fabric will provide a suitable stage for any performance.
Instructions
The Platform
1. Place the pallets where the stage will be. Make sure that all parts of the pallets are sturdy.
2. Align the sheet of plywood on top of the pallets.
3. Tack plywood into place with nails. If preferred, nail 1 inch X 4 inch or 1 inch X 6 inch pieces of lumber over the plywood for a better look, but the plywood is sufficient for theatrical purposes.
The Backdrop
4. Dig four evenly spaced holes into the ground along the back side of the platform, six to twelve inches deep, about 2 feet 8 inches apart. Two holes should be on either end of the stage, the other two holes spaced evenly between.
5. Plant one 2 inch X 2 inch X 8 foot piece of lumber in each of the four holes and fill holes back in with soil. These boards should be tight against the platform, and will be screwed to the platform later. For permanent structures, fill each hole with cement to hold the board in place, then fill in with soil.
6. Screw each of the four posts to the base of the platform, just above ground, using an electric drill. This will ensure that the backdrop remains upright.
7. Place the remaining 2 inch X 2 inch X 8 foot piece of lumber on top of the four posts and attach by screwing down into the top of each post. Make sure that the top beam is secure; use several screws per post if necessary.
The Curtain
8. Hook shower rings onto shower curtains.
9. Slide rings onto shower rods. If using curtain panels instead of a shower curtain, simply slide curtain panel directly onto shower rods.
10. Adjust each shower rod to the proper length (about 2 feet 2/3 inches each) and place between each post. If using the adjustable shower rods, they should be easy to place. As long as the curtains aren't pulled on, they should stay in place as well as the curtain in a shower. An easy alternative is to install shoulder eye bolts to each of the four posts, run a heavy clothesline the length of the stage, and hang the curtains from the clothesline.
11. Paint the name of your theater group on the curtain to give an authentic feel.
