Building Stairs, Ramps, and Platforms in Theatre

Stairs

Common access method for elevated platforms.

Stock Unit

Pre-built components for efficiency in construction.

Step Rise

Height of each step, typically 6" or 8".

Step Width

Recommended width for stairs is 2' to 4'.

Tread

Surface where foot steps, ideally 11" to 12".

Nose

Front edge of the step where tread meets rise.

Heel

Back edge of the step where rise meets tread.

Carriage Style

Treads sandwiched between stringers, less common in theatre.

Notched Stringer

Stringers cut to support treads, strong construction.

Boxed Style

Constructed from plywood, fully assembled for strength.

Post and Lintel

Flat frame construction with vertical toggles.

Rake

Slanted platforms, affects stage movement direction.

Stage Space

Area required for stair units, varies by rise.

Internal Stringers

Support added for wider treads, prevents sagging.

Rake Measurement

Precision is crucial to avoid compounding errors.

Legging

Support structure for standing step units.

Plywood Treads

Must span no more than 2' unsupported.

Wood Glue

Recommended adhesive for plywood construction.

Riser Height

Should remain consistent to avoid trip hazards.

Assembly Time

Time required to construct and disassemble units.

Keystones

Used in post and lintel construction for stability.

Corner Blocks

Reinforcement for corners in frame construction.

Stage Elevation

Height of platforms, typically less than 4'.

Repurposing Treads

Cutting treads for different stair sizes.

Actor Usability

Design consideration for comfortable performance.

Construction Trades

Field where carriage style steps are commonly used.

Safety in Construction

Critical for step units due to force applied.

Angle Measurements

Precision is vital to avoid larger errors.

Ramp Angle

Standard is 1" rise per 12" run.

Steep Ramp Warning

Above 7 degrees, actors may tire quickly.

Gravity Consideration

Essential when constructing ramps and platforms.

Miter Cut

Angle cut for legs to fit platform.

Leg Thickness

Account for material thickness in calculations.

Triangular Flat

Frame using 1x4 or 2x4 lumber.

Toggles

Support pieces spaced every 2' in frames.

Three Dimensional Scenery

Weight-bearing structures for actors to use.

Platform Sizes

Common sizes include 4'x8', 3'x8', 2'x8'.

Right Triangle Orientation

Identified by hypotenuse position from shorter side.

Platform Framing

Use 2x4s on edge for strength.

Platform Height Rule

Legs required for platforms over 2'6" tall.

Fasteners for Platforms

Use 3" screws or nails for joints.

Plywood Attachment

Fasten every 12" with screws or nails.

Leg Placement

One leg per toggle, attached to stile.

Diagonal Fasteners

Secure legs with fasteners at diagonal angles.

Platform Stock Inventory

Maintain various sizes for flexibility.

Ribbing and Supports

Internal structure for added platform strength.

Platform Sketching

Create a sketch before cutting materials.

Flush Joints

Ensure joints are even for stability.

Fastener Count

Use two fasteners per joint for security.

Platform Thickness

Standard thickness is ¾" plywood.

Stage Jacks

Triangular frames can be used as jacks.

Platform Toggle Spacing

Two toggles for 8' platforms, one for 6'.

Material Consideration

Use strong materials for durability.

Production Safety

Ensure all structures are safe for use.

Muscle Cramping

Can occur from prolonged ramp use.

Extra Compensation

Actors may require more pay for steep ramps.

2 x 4 Legs

Lumber used for platform support structure.

Platform Height

Finished height specified by designer's drawings.

Leg Length Calculation

Subtract thickness of top material from height.

Masonite

¼" hardboard used for better painting surface.

Celotex

Fiberboard used to cushion and deaden sound.

Shimming

Using wood pieces to level platform legs.

Cross-Bracing

Technique to stabilize platforms using X shapes.

Carriage Bolts

3/8" diameter by 3 ½" bolts for securing platforms.

C-Clamps

Tools for tightening and securing platform connections.

Toenailing

Fastening at an angle for secure attachment.

Fasteners

Hardware used to join platform components.

Flats

Large panels used to create set backgrounds.

Profiling

Adding material to change flat dimensions or shape.

Scabs

Keystones used to reinforce or extend flats.

Dutchmen

Seam treatment to make flat joints disappear.

Right Angles

Essential for sturdy set construction.

Plywood

Material used for platform tops and cross-bracing.

Hardboard

Tough surface material for platform durability.

Drywall Screws

1 5/8" screws recommended for cross-bracing.

Platform Installation

Aligning and securing platforms on stage.

Leg Inset

Legs positioned 1 ½" from platform edge.

Shear Mass

Weight of multiple platforms holding them in place.

Wobbly Table Analogy

Shimming concept illustrated by restaurant table example.

Visual Panels

Flats used to enhance mood and atmosphere.

Seam Management

Aligning seams of fiberboard and plywood.

Installation Techniques

Methods for securing and stabilizing platforms.

Surface Preparation

Ensuring flush surfaces before attaching materials.

Material Reusability

Minimizing damage for future use of components.

Platform Stability

Checking for shake and adjusting as needed.

Amorphous Shape

Non-defined, irregular shape for scenery design.

Stock Flats

Standard-sized flat pieces used in scenery.

1 x 6 Lumber

Standard board size, actual dimensions differ.

Hinging

Joining flats for compact storage and transport.

Booking the Flat

Folding flats to fit in transport.

Two Dimensional Scenery

Non-weight bearing background elements in theatre.

Formal Settings

Use of drapery for stage background.

Borders

Full stage width drapery masking overhead.

Legs

Full height drapery masking stage sides.

Act Curtain

Divides stage in half, allows hiding elements.

Cycs

Full width and height, creates sky effects.

Scrims

Special effects based on lighting techniques.

Flat

Rectangular frame covered with lightweight material.

Stock Height

Standard height for scenery, often 12' - 0".

Even Numbered Increments

Standard practice for reducing material waste.