Set Design and Construction: bracing tall pieces- help!

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bracing tall pieces- help!

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=5055
Printed Date: 10/31/25 at 6:36am
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Topic: bracing tall pieces- help!

Posted By: elaidlaw
Subject: bracing tall pieces- help!
Date Posted: 4/22/11 at 7:13am

Help! How do I construct the braces for set pieces 8' (width) by 16' (height)? These are free-standing buildings with irregular rooflines. I was told the braces can only extend 4' back from the flats, but can be secured to the stage floor. I've only used 8' flats before, and I had braces extend 3' on those. I assume that I should use 3 braces per "building" - placed at edges and at the center - so 4' spacing. What should I use for bracing? 2x4's? The height of these pieces is worrying me ... they are twice the height and 4 times the size the the flats I've constructed.

Thanks,

Emily

Replies:

Posted By: vickifrank
Date Posted: 4/22/11 at 9:13am

Hi Emily,

Remember that bracing a straight line of set pieces is far more difficult than bracing if a few are angled. Its similar to trying to stand a book up closed vs. open. If the pieces can zig-zag a bit, the bracing will be far more effective and easy. You won't even have to have them lean back to brace....and the back row of pieces will apear more dynamic.

I always used to use 2x4s with a hinge at the corner and half a slip pin hing at the ends. That made the 'jacks' reusable and storable when folded. When you attach, you attach the other half of the slip pin hinges at the set piece. Note that the ends were cut to the right angles to join the set pieces.

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

The theater scrim people

Posted By: PaulyWally
Date Posted: 4/23/11 at 11:27am

I'm not sure if your set pieces are conducive to this. But do you have a fly system or grid system that you can also secure them to with wire from above?

Posted By: didj1028
Date Posted: 5/11/11 at 7:44pm

if you can secure to the stage floor you'll have little trouble. Usually (because I have a good supply of them) if I can get away with it (sightlines, actor entrances, and such affect this) I just use more flats behind running back perpendicular, screw things together well, screw into the floor, add a few 1x4 cross braces and good to go.

The point about not being one straight line is a good one.

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Geoff Ehrendreich
Waterloo Community Playhouse
Waterloo IA