Open Forum

We have a decent sized stage for a middle school, but no fly system (nor space for it).  Wing space is also decent, but not large enough for any significant amount of scenery.

In the past, we have either used a single backdrop (either hung from a fixed pipe, or painted on the back wall), or a 'wall' of flats.

This year we are doing Shrek Jr., and I really would love to figure out a way to have multiple backdrops.  We have a rear traveler and a mid-stage traveler.

Is there a straightforward way to change backdrops without flying?  All my (very limited) set design experience (college and previous school) was with a fly system. 

I really love the giant book idea, too!

Any suggestions welcome!
Thanks!

------------------------------
Kristin Hall
Drama Director
Lincoln Public Schools
Arlington MA
------------------------------

Have you looked at periaktois?   
Periaktoi | HSTech

Hstech		remove preview
Periaktoi | HSTech A Periaktoi is an ancient device, often thought to be of Greek origin, that is still used for stage scene changes. It is usually a triangular unit with (3) equal sides. Each side can have a View this on Hstech >

Or roll drops?
Olio Drop | HSTech

Hstech		remove preview
Olio Drop | HSTech Spaces with low ceilings present a particularly challenging situation for those wishing to use backdrops. And olio drop is a form of a roll drop with a tube is at the bottom. Here are some terrific View this on Hstech >

------------------------------
John Perry
Drama Instructor
Atherton High School
Louisville KY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-15-2017 11:48
From: Kristin Hall
Subject: Changing backdrops without flying

We have a decent sized stage for a middle school, but no fly system (nor space for it).  Wing space is also decent, but not large enough for any significant amount of scenery.

In the past, we have either used a single backdrop (either hung from a fixed pipe, or painted on the back wall), or a 'wall' of flats.

This year we are doing Shrek Jr., and I really would love to figure out a way to have multiple backdrops.  We have a rear traveler and a mid-stage traveler.

Is there a straightforward way to change backdrops without flying?  All my (very limited) set design experience (college and previous school) was with a fly system.

Any suggestions welcome!
Thanks!

------------------------------
Kristin Hall
Drama Director
Lincoln Public Schools
Arlington MA
------------------------------

Periaktoi are a good solution, as are olio drops.

You can also go in a different direction, like I did a few years ago for a high school:

http://georgefledo.net/Shrek.htm

------------------------------
George F. Ledo
Set designer
www.setdesignandtech.wordpress.com
www.georgefledo.net
http://astore.amazon.com/sdtbookstore-20
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-15-2017 12:03
From: John Perry
Subject: Changing backdrops without flying

Have you looked at periaktois?
Periaktoi | HSTech

Hstech		remove preview
Periaktoi | HSTech A Periaktoi is an ancient device, often thought to be of Greek origin, that is still used for stage scene changes. It is usually a triangular unit with (3) equal sides. Each side can have a View this on Hstech >

Or roll drops?
Olio Drop | HSTech

Hstech		remove preview
Olio Drop | HSTech Spaces with low ceilings present a particularly challenging situation for those wishing to use backdrops. And olio drop is a form of a roll drop with a tube is at the bottom. Here are some terrific View this on Hstech >

------------------------------
John Perry
Drama Instructor
Atherton High School
Louisville KY

Original Message:
Sent: 12-15-2017 11:48
From: Kristin Hall
Subject: Changing backdrops without flying

We have a decent sized stage for a middle school, but no fly system (nor space for it).  Wing space is also decent, but not large enough for any significant amount of scenery.

In the past, we have either used a single backdrop (either hung from a fixed pipe, or painted on the back wall), or a 'wall' of flats.

This year we are doing Shrek Jr., and I really would love to figure out a way to have multiple backdrops.  We have a rear traveler and a mid-stage traveler.

Is there a straightforward way to change backdrops without flying?  All my (very limited) set design experience (college and previous school) was with a fly system.

Any suggestions welcome!
Thanks!

------------------------------
Kristin Hall
Drama Director
Lincoln Public Schools
Arlington MA
------------------------------

I second the Periaktoi idea.  I have made several, some with luan faced flats and others with muslin faced flats.  Both were lightweight and easy to maneuver across the stage.  The nice thing with the periaktoi is you can line them up to be a long backdrop, or move them around the stage to show various dimensional spaces.

------------------------------
Richard Gremel
Theatre Teacher
Tucson AZ
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-15-2017 12:03
From: John Perry
Subject: Changing backdrops without flying

Have you looked at periaktois?
Periaktoi | HSTech

Hstech		remove preview
Periaktoi | HSTech A Periaktoi is an ancient device, often thought to be of Greek origin, that is still used for stage scene changes. It is usually a triangular unit with (3) equal sides. Each side can have a View this on Hstech >

Or roll drops?
Olio Drop | HSTech

Hstech		remove preview
Olio Drop | HSTech Spaces with low ceilings present a particularly challenging situation for those wishing to use backdrops. And olio drop is a form of a roll drop with a tube is at the bottom. Here are some terrific View this on Hstech >

------------------------------
John Perry
Drama Instructor
Atherton High School
Louisville KY

Original Message:
Sent: 12-15-2017 11:48
From: Kristin Hall
Subject: Changing backdrops without flying

We have a decent sized stage for a middle school, but no fly system (nor space for it).  Wing space is also decent, but not large enough for any significant amount of scenery.

In the past, we have either used a single backdrop (either hung from a fixed pipe, or painted on the back wall), or a 'wall' of flats.

This year we are doing Shrek Jr., and I really would love to figure out a way to have multiple backdrops.  We have a rear traveler and a mid-stage traveler.

Is there a straightforward way to change backdrops without flying?  All my (very limited) set design experience (college and previous school) was with a fly system.

Any suggestions welcome!
Thanks!

------------------------------
Kristin Hall
Drama Director
Lincoln Public Schools
Arlington MA
------------------------------

Thanks, everyone, for all the great suggestions.  I really like the Periaktoi idea - particularly the ones with the fold-out doors, allowing for six different looks.  And I really like the idea that they could be stock pieces, used again for future shows.

So that leads me to a few follow-up questions:
Advantages/disadvantages of Luan vs. muslin?
Optimal dimensions for stability? (With middle school cast and crew, I need to know there is no chance that they will tip over.)
What kind/size of castors?

Thanks to all who have posted - and for the links!

Kristin

------------------------------
Kristin Hall
Drama Director
Lincoln Public Schools
Arlington MA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-19-2017 11:15
From: Richard Gremel
Subject: Changing backdrops without flying

I second the Periaktoi idea.  I have made several, some with luan faced flats and others with muslin faced flats.  Both were lightweight and easy to maneuver across the stage.  The nice thing with the periaktoi is you can line them up to be a long backdrop, or move them around the stage to show various dimensional spaces.

------------------------------
Richard Gremel
Theatre Teacher
Tucson AZ

Original Message:
Sent: 12-15-2017 12:03
From: John Perry
Subject: Changing backdrops without flying

Have you looked at periaktois?
Periaktoi | HSTech

Hstech		remove preview
Periaktoi | HSTech A Periaktoi is an ancient device, often thought to be of Greek origin, that is still used for stage scene changes. It is usually a triangular unit with (3) equal sides. Each side can have a View this on Hstech >

Or roll drops?
Olio Drop | HSTech

Hstech		remove preview
Olio Drop | HSTech Spaces with low ceilings present a particularly challenging situation for those wishing to use backdrops. And olio drop is a form of a roll drop with a tube is at the bottom. Here are some terrific View this on Hstech >

------------------------------
John Perry
Drama Instructor
Atherton High School
Louisville KY

Original Message:
Sent: 12-15-2017 11:48
From: Kristin Hall
Subject: Changing backdrops without flying

We have a decent sized stage for a middle school, but no fly system (nor space for it).  Wing space is also decent, but not large enough for any significant amount of scenery.

In the past, we have either used a single backdrop (either hung from a fixed pipe, or painted on the back wall), or a 'wall' of flats.

This year we are doing Shrek Jr., and I really would love to figure out a way to have multiple backdrops.  We have a rear traveler and a mid-stage traveler.

Is there a straightforward way to change backdrops without flying?  All my (very limited) set design experience (college and previous school) was with a fly system.

Any suggestions welcome!
Thanks!

------------------------------
Kristin Hall
Drama Director
Lincoln Public Schools
Arlington MA
------------------------------

When we did ROBIN HOOD we hung a forest backdrop immediately behind the rear traveler. Opening the curtain put us in the woods. closing the curtain (and bringing on a couple of brick-wall-painted flats) created the castle.

------------------------------
Josh Kauffman
Teacher
Winfield AL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-15-2017 11:48
From: Kristin Hall
Subject: Changing backdrops without flying

We have a decent sized stage for a middle school, but no fly system (nor space for it).  Wing space is also decent, but not large enough for any significant amount of scenery.

In the past, we have either used a single backdrop (either hung from a fixed pipe, or painted on the back wall), or a 'wall' of flats.

This year we are doing Shrek Jr., and I really would love to figure out a way to have multiple backdrops.  We have a rear traveler and a mid-stage traveler.

Is there a straightforward way to change backdrops without flying?  All my (very limited) set design experience (college and previous school) was with a fly system.

Any suggestions welcome!
Thanks!

------------------------------
Kristin Hall
Drama Director
Lincoln Public Schools
Arlington MA
------------------------------

I have in the past taken down traveler curtains and replaced them with custom painted drops that travel on and off, or have had additional curtain tracks added with 1 way draw operation so they can store on 1 side of the stage.


------------------------------
Jerry Onik
V.P. Theatrical Supplies and Equipment
Omaha NE
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-15-2017 11:48
From: Kristin Hall
Subject: Changing backdrops without flying

We have a decent sized stage for a middle school, but no fly system (nor space for it).  Wing space is also decent, but not large enough for any significant amount of scenery.

In the past, we have either used a single backdrop (either hung from a fixed pipe, or painted on the back wall), or a 'wall' of flats.

This year we are doing Shrek Jr., and I really would love to figure out a way to have multiple backdrops.  We have a rear traveler and a mid-stage traveler.

Is there a straightforward way to change backdrops without flying?  All my (very limited) set design experience (college and previous school) was with a fly system.

Any suggestions welcome!
Thanks!

------------------------------
Kristin Hall
Drama Director
Lincoln Public Schools
Arlington MA
------------------------------

What about putting wheels on flats so you can create 2-sided walls? You can also make 3-sided walls also. They take up very little space. I researched on Pintrest to get ideas.

------------------------------
Amy Sando
Minden NV
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-18-2017 07:41
From: Jerry Onik
Subject: Changing backdrops without flying

I have in the past taken down traveler curtains and replaced them with custom painted drops that travel on and off, or have had additional curtain tracks added with 1 way draw operation so they can store on 1 side of the stage.


------------------------------
Jerry Onik
V.P. Theatrical Supplies and Equipment
Omaha NE

Original Message:
Sent: 12-15-2017 11:48
From: Kristin Hall
Subject: Changing backdrops without flying

We have a decent sized stage for a middle school, but no fly system (nor space for it).  Wing space is also decent, but not large enough for any significant amount of scenery.

In the past, we have either used a single backdrop (either hung from a fixed pipe, or painted on the back wall), or a 'wall' of flats.

This year we are doing Shrek Jr., and I really would love to figure out a way to have multiple backdrops.  We have a rear traveler and a mid-stage traveler.

Is there a straightforward way to change backdrops without flying?  All my (very limited) set design experience (college and previous school) was with a fly system.

Any suggestions welcome!
Thanks!

------------------------------
Kristin Hall
Drama Director
Lincoln Public Schools
Arlington MA
------------------------------

Hello.

Talk to the folks at Grosh Backdrops. I'm thinking they have a rentable system or they can point you in that direction. They are so high school user friendly. I urge you to at least check in with them.

Break a leg in 2018!

------------------------------
Donnie Bryan
Department Chair for Visual and Performing Arts
Nashville TN
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-15-2017 11:48
From: Kristin Hall
Subject: Changing backdrops without flying

We have a decent sized stage for a middle school, but no fly system (nor space for it).  Wing space is also decent, but not large enough for any significant amount of scenery.

In the past, we have either used a single backdrop (either hung from a fixed pipe, or painted on the back wall), or a 'wall' of flats.

This year we are doing Shrek Jr., and I really would love to figure out a way to have multiple backdrops.  We have a rear traveler and a mid-stage traveler.

Is there a straightforward way to change backdrops without flying?  All my (very limited) set design experience (college and previous school) was with a fly system.

Any suggestions welcome!
Thanks!

------------------------------
Kristin Hall
Drama Director
Lincoln Public Schools
Arlington MA
------------------------------

One word: digital projections. OK, two words.

Please note that TRW does NOT represent SHREK, so this is not a commercial/advert for our products ---  please do not delete this post on that basis.

Anyhoo.

Yes: there will be hardware involved in addition to the licensing of the projections. If you're hesitant to invest (assuming you haven't already) then there are rental options available. IIRC there have been some discussions about  projections here on the Open Forum in the recent past so you may want to search for past discussions.

After a brief search, here's a link to a page for Shrek projections:

Shrek digital scenery



------------------------------
Michael McDonough
TRW Director of Amateur Licensing
New York
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-15-2017 11:48
From: Kristin Hall
Subject: Changing backdrops without flying

We have a decent sized stage for a middle school, but no fly system (nor space for it).  Wing space is also decent, but not large enough for any significant amount of scenery.

In the past, we have either used a single backdrop (either hung from a fixed pipe, or painted on the back wall), or a 'wall' of flats.

This year we are doing Shrek Jr., and I really would love to figure out a way to have multiple backdrops.  We have a rear traveler and a mid-stage traveler.

Is there a straightforward way to change backdrops without flying?  All my (very limited) set design experience (college and previous school) was with a fly system.

I really love the giant book idea, too!

Any suggestions welcome!
Thanks!

------------------------------
Kristin Hall
Drama Director
Lincoln Public Schools
Arlington MA
------------------------------