Set Design and Construction: walk through a wall

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walk through a wall

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=4896
Printed Date: 10/31/25 at 11:08am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: walk through a wall

Posted By: musicmom1212
Subject: walk through a wall
Date Posted: 12/14/10 at 2:34pm

I would like to build a wall and have a dancer walk through the center. What material can I cover my frame in, that would allow me to do this. Oh and the wall has to be painted. We are using heavy-weight cotton drill on the walls and painting it. I was going to put a slit in the center, but I think the canvas won't stretch and it will be hard to step through. If I use lycra can I paint it to look like antique wall paper?

There will be nine frames in all and they all must have the capability to have the dancer walk through the middle.

Help!!!

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Cathy

Replies:

Posted By: Mr. Lowell
Date Posted: 12/14/10 at 5:03pm

Use Spandex and stretch it tight and overlap it a little at the split.

Rose Brand sells various types: http://www.rosebrand.com/subcategory165/fabric-by-type-stretchable.aspx - http://www.rosebrand.com/subcategory165/fabric-by-type-stretchable.aspx

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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: Spectrum
Date Posted: 12/15/10 at 11:03am

I might add to Mr. Lowell's excellent advice that rather than painting it, get a color of Spandex you want your wall to be. Unpainted Spandex will keep its edges and shape so much better, as will the color consistency.

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Growing old is mandatory. Growing up is optional.

Posted By: vickifrank
Date Posted: 12/16/10 at 9:00am

Or you could cover them in Chameleon scrim. It doesn't stretch, but because it hangs square, you don't have a gap in the center, like you do with stretchy fabrics. No overlap needed. You don't attach at the bottom, but attach curtain weights to the bottom so it floats back to the original shape. You can paint it (its easier to paint than muslin or canvas) or have it printed.

I've also had people cut the fabric in two vertical razor cut slits, so that a person walks through the flap. No hemming or finishing needed, it can't unravel or run. You can't do that with canvas or muslin and have it work. But you can with Chameleon.

If you want to call and discuss, call 800-359-2964.

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_____________

http://www.studio-productions-inc.com
1-800-359-2964

The theater scrim people