Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board: Roll drop???

Message

   I have one scene in my musical that needs to be portrayed in an "old theatre."  We will basically have the stage bare with the black curtains pulled around the set.  But, it would be nice to have some sort of skinny drops, flanking either side of the stage to portray the proscenium of a stage.  We do not have a fly space to fly this drop out.  I would love to use a roll drop but can't (for the life of me) figure out how to make that.  

Does a roll drop roll back up?  I get (with the help of gravity) how I could get it to drop down.  But, how can I get it back up????

thanks!

Author	Message
Kim L. Star Joined: 2/03/07 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 86	Topic: Roll drop??? Posted: 2/14/09 at 8:33am
	I have one scene in my musical that needs to be portrayed in an "old theatre." We will basically have the stage bare with the black curtains pulled around the set. But, it would be nice to have some sort of skinny drops, flanking either side of the stage to portray the proscenium of a stage. We do not have a fly space to fly this drop out. I would love to use a roll drop but can't (for the life of me) figure out how to make that. Does a roll drop roll back up? I get (with the help of gravity) how I could get it to drop down. But, how can I get it back up???? thanks!
	Kim

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vickifrank Celebrity Joined: 9/21/07 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 332	Posted: 2/14/09 at 10:41am
	Hi Kim, After I had several customers ask me how to make roll drops, I compiled some advise from members of the Community Green Room (some of our Austrailian friends are extremely helpful!) and some internet instructions to offer this guide on construction of roll drops (also called oleo or olio drops). How to make roll drops: http://www.studio-productions-inc.com/white_papers/wp_oleo_olio_rolldrop.html Keep in mind that this is a good faith effort to record the common practices. This article is pretty general although my customers are using it for Chameleon scrim, it would work for other non-stretchy materials. If you are interested in using the Chameleon scrim material it can be printed as a complete false proscesium or for use on the roll drop as painted scenery and the cost is less than people think. A recent example of a false proscenium drop we made for a customer to look like an old fashioned juke box is one that I'll send pictures of to you privately. We were able to contain the cost by some careful layout. The article should answer your question, but I'll repeat it. 'Yes' it rolls back up--although not spring loaded or anything. A stage hand pulls the rope to roll it back up. Besides the article, you can find the original conversations about roll drops by searching for Roll, Oleo and Olio on this forum.
	_____________ http://www.studio-productions-inc.com 1-800-359-2964 The theater scrim people
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Set Design and Construction
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Topic: Roll drop???( Topic Closed)