GamerGuin
Member
Oh LORD what have I gotten myself into... HELP!
I've was a scene designer and PAC manager for various theaters for around a decade or so, but for the past couple of years I've been more or less "retired."
My sister asked if I could help build a few "props" for my nieces HS marching band (because no other parents were volunteering) and I have plenty of time on my hands, so I figured why not pitch in.
Well turns out, it's not props, it's a full massive set they needed help building, and obviously being a marching band, it all has to be on castors that roll it on/off the field quickly.
I'm feeling WAY out of my depth here, because of the turf/grass field (not being able to anchor anything to a solid stage floor), and I've never done a "traveling show."
SO, TLDR: My questions are...with a VERY small budget.
What size/composition castors should I use on a grass/turf surface, and how do I brake the wagons?
Essentially four wagons that are 2.42' W x 8'L ramps. In sets of two, the pieces come together to make two ramps with 4' rise. Needs to be able to hold a few HS students.
My build plan is pretty standard: 3/4 ply, 2x4 compression legs, banding/cross bracing. I know how to select castors that will support the weight, but I'm just nervous about what size material is needed for a soft/uneven surface.
I'm also not 100% on how to attach the castors. I was thinking 2x6 leg to leg across the bottom and bolt the castors into that?
As for brakes I'm thinking wagon brakes/cane poles are a no go, cause they will damage the field and/or might "sink in" and be hard to unlock...
So, I was think about only putting castors on the taller halves of the ramps, and putting the lower half on hinges (stacked on the taller portion for transport and flipped down flush with the ground during use). Hoping the half not on castors possibly serves as a valid "brake"?
How do I make a narrow/tall triangle platform stable?
It's only 2.42' wide and 4.4' tall, and has to be on castors. It can be flexible on the length, but has to remain a triangle shape, cause we're using it to "cheat" the appearance of a curved stage.
I've never built a triangle platform PERIOD. Much less one that has to be 4.5' tall and on castors... I'm bugging.
What don't I know about outdoor construction/traveling shows?
I've never done "outdoor theater" or a had a set that had to travel from location to location, I'm so worried I don't know something that's gonna cause a problem.
I've was a scene designer and PAC manager for various theaters for around a decade or so, but for the past couple of years I've been more or less "retired."
My sister asked if I could help build a few "props" for my nieces HS marching band (because no other parents were volunteering) and I have plenty of time on my hands, so I figured why not pitch in.
Well turns out, it's not props, it's a full massive set they needed help building, and obviously being a marching band, it all has to be on castors that roll it on/off the field quickly.
I'm feeling WAY out of my depth here, because of the turf/grass field (not being able to anchor anything to a solid stage floor), and I've never done a "traveling show."
SO, TLDR: My questions are...with a VERY small budget.
What size/composition castors should I use on a grass/turf surface, and how do I brake the wagons?
Essentially four wagons that are 2.42' W x 8'L ramps. In sets of two, the pieces come together to make two ramps with 4' rise. Needs to be able to hold a few HS students.
My build plan is pretty standard: 3/4 ply, 2x4 compression legs, banding/cross bracing. I know how to select castors that will support the weight, but I'm just nervous about what size material is needed for a soft/uneven surface.
I'm also not 100% on how to attach the castors. I was thinking 2x6 leg to leg across the bottom and bolt the castors into that?
As for brakes I'm thinking wagon brakes/cane poles are a no go, cause they will damage the field and/or might "sink in" and be hard to unlock...
So, I was think about only putting castors on the taller halves of the ramps, and putting the lower half on hinges (stacked on the taller portion for transport and flipped down flush with the ground during use). Hoping the half not on castors possibly serves as a valid "brake"?
How do I make a narrow/tall triangle platform stable?
It's only 2.42' wide and 4.4' tall, and has to be on castors. It can be flexible on the length, but has to remain a triangle shape, cause we're using it to "cheat" the appearance of a curved stage.
I've never built a triangle platform PERIOD. Much less one that has to be 4.5' tall and on castors... I'm bugging.
What don't I know about outdoor construction/traveling shows?
I've never done "outdoor theater" or a had a set that had to travel from location to location, I'm so worried I don't know something that's gonna cause a problem.