Building a Tower
Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Set Design and Construction
Forum Discription: Post your questions or suggestions about designing or building a set here.
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4566
Printed Date: 11/24/24 at 5:53am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Building a Tower
Posted By: SamS
Subject: Building a Tower
Date Posted: 4/14/10 at 12:12pm
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I'd like some help figuring out the feasibility of constructing a 10' tower for a production of Into the Woods. The set designer is asking for a 3' by 6' platform raised 10' off the ground. Would four 10' 4x4 legs be enough for something like this? Should it not even be attempted without securing it to the stage floor/wall? If it is feasible, what kind of cross-bracing should be used? Any construction advice would be appreciated. Also any input on the safety hazards of building something this tall. This is my first time working on a set and I don't want anyone to get hurt! |
Replies:
Posted By: jungle16jim
Date Posted: 4/14/10 at 12:28pm
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Danger Will Robinson! Danger!
First, I'm a little confused about the 3x6 dimensions. Maybe I'm a literalist, but shouldn't a tower be round or at least square? I'm sure he's trying to get 2 actors up there and wants enough room for them, but 4x4 would be enough for that, as little as goes on up there. But yes, your stability concerns are well-grounded (pun intended). Keep in mind your actors will be up another 5-6 feet from the floor and as dainty as they may be, still will create a top heavy live load. Also remember that the witch climbs the outside of the tower creating a bit of side to side movement as well. I wouldn't want to be up there. I don't know the mathematical safety codes, but I wouldn't want to be up there. If you can bolt to the floor--do. If not, you might think about making the base larger than the top. If it's sloped, this will make it look taller anyhow, but it will also create more stability on the floor where you need it. If it's on wheels, you'll want to use a platform at the bottom and put sandbags on it. Be sure to run a series of test on it before actors get up there. I usually push things around a bit from the ground and then get up there myself and jump and do my set-build side to side dance. Best of luck! |
Posted By: Mr. Lowell
Date Posted: 4/14/10 at 10:06pm
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A word to the wise: Use lots of cross bracing in both directions for stability. I use 2"x2" or 1"x4" lumber for low platforms and 2"x4"s for tall units. And don't use drywall screws or even nails to attach legs to platforms, they have low "shear weight" ratings. Only use heavy duty carriage bolts. ***By the way, why does your director need the tower to be 10 feet off the ground? When we did Into the Woods 15 years ago, the top of the tower was 12 feet off the ground, yes, but the actors actually only needed to stand 4-1/2 feet off the ground...which I feel is much safer. Here is a photo of that rolling tower, as it appeared in our more recent production of Shakespeare Abridged: http://www.lowell.to/Studio/IMG_4102.JPG - http://www.lowell.to/Studio/IMG_4102.JPG
Good luck with it. -Dana
------------- Mr. Lowell, Lighting/Set Designer & Tech Director, for the Linda Sloan Theatre, in the Davison Center for the Arts, at Greensboro Day School |
Posted By: SamS
Date Posted: 4/15/10 at 3:14pm
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Thanks so much for the advice. I will try to convince others of the safety advantages of a shorter tower. The reason for it being so tall is to allow access to a second story door (used for all entrances/exits - no one will be climbing up or down the tower). If it remains at ten feet, then I'll make sure to bolt it to the floor & wall, and use carriage bolts and cross bracing in both directions. The rolling tower looks great - more like what I've always imagined for this play - and much more "tower-like" than what we're going to have. Ah well. Thanks again!! |
Posted By: JoeMc
Date Posted: 4/15/10 at 7:41pm
Blimey! What's the height of your proscenium arch? It would have to be at least 20' tall to accomodate 'Borders' &/or a 'Teaser' maskings. I know I'm as thick as two short planks at times, but how does this woirk on the set mate?  ------------- [western] Gondawandaland "Hear the light & see the sound! TOI TOI CHOOKAS {may you always play to a full house!} |