Students are in the process of building a set of stock scenery flats for the Bertha Martin Theatre. Stock scenery consists of scenic units which can be used over and over again on a number of productions. One of the necessary skills all scenic carpenters need is an understanding of flat construction. The following pictures document the process from creating the jig to completetion.
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Senior Mandy Heath is laying the precut lumber into a jig to build a 4' x 10' flat. |
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Here, a Stagecraft student is preparing a keystone to be stapled onto the flat. |
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A close up of a rail showing the 1" offset of the corner blocks from the edge of the flat. |
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| Once the frame is completed, the next step is to cover the flat with 1/4" luan. |
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The luan is attached with glue and 3/4" narrow crown staples. |
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Back view of a finished 4' x 10' flat. |
Once completed, if built properly, a flat can last up to 20 years!
