For those of us without a fly system, drops can be very problematic. However, if you have a cyc curtain, just go with that. Over a couple of years, through ticket sales we were able to purchase a cyc curtain and lights. We have no fly space so I have the cyc dead-hung. It's the only back drop we use and it has worked in dozens of shows over the years - including when we did "Footloose" about 7 years ago. Of course, the key is to be able to light it, otherwise it looks like a giant bed-sheet across your stage.
But even if all you have are simple black curtains or drapery, that can work as well. The audience won't care if there is no elaborate backdrop - they just want to see their kids. I've seen too many productions that insist on using inappropriate/badly utilized drops because there is money in the budget, or the director can't come up with a better idea. The drops wind up distracting from the performances and actually cause more problems than solutions.
However, if you insist on a single backdrop, either use a giant image of the show logo or an abstract image of musical notation/colors/geometric shapes (very 80s). This will keep the theme of the show and put the focus on the stage. Break a leg!
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Josh Ruben, M. Ed.
Fine Arts Head
Northwest Whitfield HS (dba, The Northwest Theatre Co.)
Tunnel Hill, GA
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-26-2020 22:05
From: Melinda Carlson
Subject: Backdrop for Footloose
We can only use one backdrop for Footloose. Suggestions?
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Melinda Carlson
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