Flats with a frame
that places the width of the lumber parallel to the face
are called “Broadway” or “stage” flats. Hard-covered flats with a frame that is perpendicular to the paint surface are referred to as “Hollywood” or “studio” flats.
What keeps a Hollywood flat square?
(also called “TV” flats or “studio” flats) are rigidly constructed from
luan or plywood
. Using wall jacks, Hollywood flats can stand freely from the ground or anchored directly to a portable base. … Muslin is the most popular fabric for scenery flats, due to its light weight and soft texture.
Is a Broadway flat heavier than a Hollywood flat?
Broadway flats, when covered with canvas, are
much lighter than a similar size Hollywood
. One person can handle a flat. They are also somewhat cheaper in materials too, as canvas is cheaper per square foot that plywood.
What are the two types of flats?
- Hollywood flats. (also called “TV” flats) are rigidly constructed from luan or plywood. …
- Broadway flats. (also called “theatre”, “standard” and “stage” flats) are constructed from muslin or stretched canvas applied to a thin wooden frame.
How do I get a Hollywood flat?
A Hollywood flat is made by
turning the boards on their edges to make
a three-dimensional, box-like frame. Each type is uniform in size and design so they can be stacked together and stored in a small space. You can build theatre flats from lumber, plywood, and cloth.
Why are stage flats light weight?
A flat is a lightweight timber frame covered with scenic canvas, or plywood. Flats are
used to provide a lightweight and easy to move and re-configure backdrop to a stage set
. … The plywood or cloth can be replaced when it gets worn, keeping the frame intact for many years.
What is a flat in theater?
A flat (short for scenery flat) or coulisse is a
flat piece of theatrical scenery which is painted and positioned on stage
so as to give the appearance of buildings or other background. Flats can be soft covered (covered with cloth such as muslin) or hard covered (covered with decorative plywood such as luan).
What is meant by soft covering a flat?
A flat with a framed opening for a window. What is meant by soft covering a flat? What is meant by soft covering a flat? Covering a flat with
some type of fabric
.
How many toggles should be in a 12 foot flat?
This is called the TOGGLE Toggles should be placed every 4 feet (i.e. on a 12 foot flat you would have
2 toggles
) Measure and cut two pieces of 1×4.
What does Cyclorama mean?
Cyclorama, in theatre,
background device employed to cover the back and sometimes the sides of
the stage and used with special lighting to create the illusion of sky, open space, or great distance at the rear of the stage setting.
What is a hard wall flat?
The hard flat offers
a sturdy wall surface ideal
if actors are going to be brushing against the walls. Soft covers are usually made from a cloth called muslin. To cover your flat staple muslin to one edge of the flat. Glue the width the frame on that side. Then stretch the muslin to the other end and staple it tight.
What is commonly used to cover a platform?
Lids. Lids are typically made from a sheet of
plywood
, although oriented strand board is also sometimes used. Sometimes another layer is added on top of the plywood. Hardboard is sometimes used as an easily replaceable and sturdy cover.
What is a scrim used for?
A scrim or gauze is a very light textile made from cotton, or sometimes flax. It is lightweight and translucent, which means it is often used for
making curtains
. The fabric can also be used for bookbinding and upholstery. Scrims have also seen extensive use in theatre.
How do you brace a Theatre flat?
The most common way of bracing a flat is
to build two jacks and attach them to both sides of the back of the flat
.
