Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup: backdrops that aren't flats

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backdrops that aren't flats

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup
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URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5048
Printed Date: 10/31/25 at 5:23am
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Topic: backdrops that aren't flats

Posted By: Jesse
Subject: backdrops that aren't flats
Date Posted: 4/18/11 at 8:47pm

Please be patient with me - I'm new to theater props and backdrops.

Our library has a children's play each year. We have been using large wooden flats for our backdrops up until now, but have run out of space to store them. I am looking for a way to replace them with something that is much lighter and can be broken down.

My initial impulse is to build frames from PVC pipe and put muslin over them. Is that the best low-price, easy-to-store way to handle this? If we paint the muslin, what type of paint should we use (something that won't crack if we roll up the sheets)? It looks like fabric paint would be too expensive for us, since the backdrops tend to be fairly large.

Any advice would be helpful.

Thanks!

Jesse

Replies:

Posted By: Majicwrench
Date Posted: 4/18/11 at 10:14pm

Well this doesn't really answer your question, but flats need not be bulky. 1x4s laid flat and the cheapest lightest thinnest paneling you can get . Each flat is about an 1 1/4" thick. PCV is gonna be that thick. Most of my flats are 4ft wide, and 7ft high.

PVC with just about anything draped over it will work, and you can break the whole mess down. If you paint the muslin methinks it is gonna crack when rolled.

Posted By: didj1028
Date Posted: 4/19/11 at 11:22am

if you use scenic paints (ie rosco) you shouldn't have any problem with rolling your drops, though they can get a little stiff. Alternatively you can use dyes for even less difficulty.

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Geoff Ehrendreich
Waterloo Community Playhouse
Waterloo IA

Posted By: sguti39
Date Posted: 4/19/11 at 5:03pm

I know this isnt the norm--but I guess neither are my budgets. Anyway I paint backdrops all the time using regular house paint from the OOPs department of my local home improvement store. I have used both muslin, duck cloth, backed canvas, old curtains from my house, those paint drops with paper fronts and plastic backings...you name it, I've painted on it. Good news I have not had a huge issue with cracking when rolling. I have successfully maintained drops for over 10years even using those crude methods/materials.

The only time cracks were experienced was when it was folded. If you can roll it onto a tube that is the width of your fabric you should be ok. In the past I have used the fabric tubes and PVC for the rolling my largest width being 10 feet.

A couple more quick notes of caution if you use house paint are: paint thinly--in other words no thick applications, put plastic sheeting underneath and let your back drop dry completely. Otherwise, the paint will stick to the backside. Dont forget to check the fire regulations for your area as well.

Like I said, I know this is not the industry standard, but good luck with whatever you choose.

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S.G.

Posted By: gelcat
Date Posted: 4/19/11 at 5:04pm

Until you get a bazillion coats of paint on the muslin, and don't put texture treatments or heavy spots into the painting techniques, you should be able to roll your muslin on carpet tubes and store them until the next show. If you are painting one location, then loading in at your performance space, the larger in diameter the roll, the better. If you paint in place each year, then go ahead and roll or fold the muslin to it's smallest dimensions for storage purposes. You will eventually need to replace the muslin, and you will need to be very careful inserting and removing your PVC framework.

However, you really aren't decreasing storage space, just the configuration of the space. I can see where you can hide rolled or folded things in a space 2' x 1' x 5', and stand up PVC frames in a corner, rather than needing large 'flat' areas of space, either vertically or horizontally, that is 4' x 8' by 1'

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www.actorsguildonline.org
Actors Guild of Parkersburg
Parkersburg, WV

Posted By: Jesse
Date Posted: 4/20/11 at 7:26pm

Thank to you everyone who has replied. I really appreciate all the help!

- Jesse