Recent content by Jon Taylor

Actually not much more expensive than cheap sheet vinyl at $1.28 sq. ft.: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/835776-REG/Gam_VFGF212HR_GamFloor_Roll_48_x.htmlThe smallest roll is well more than we need, though, and it looks like it's not reusable, and the leftover roll would have to be...

I agree that the super-glossy finish is probably too much, and the glossy appearance under the lights is what we're after. We did a mockup of the angle of the platform already, but maybe will do again when we have the finish figured out. Thanks for the paint suggestions.

Thank you @RonHebbard @seanandkate @Colin @Van @JacobRothermel @MarshallPope @Jay Ashworth for the replies. Right now I like the idea of the sheet vinyl and tape option, going to poke around local stores to see if I can find anything acceptable.Recommendations for double-sided tape? I'm okay...

I am building a set for Agnes of God and need help with the finish on the platform (I’m a builder for a community theater and I’m kind of ignorant of paint and finishes).We’re using a 12’x12’ platform on a diagonal with a 3 degree rake running from DS corner (low) to US corner (high). The...

I've used the Milwaukee M12 Fuel brushless impact driver for building several sets now and highly recommend it: https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Fastening/Impact-Drivers/2453-20I find that using it with Torx drive screws makes fastening easy on the arms.

Thanks! That table was designed and built by one of our founding members. He's in is 80's and does great woodwork. He just built a grandfather clock out of scrap for our next show. I'll pass along the compliment.

This "table" is a legged platform. It was built to hold dancing actors, but keeps getting used as a table in our community theater. No X's on the end, though.

Hi all: as I said elsewhere I decided to go with a reflective rather than glowing sword. Here's the result:

Thanks for that very thorough reply! For right now I'm going to try a wooden sword with holographic craft vinyl on the blade and a spotlight. I love your suggestions but my set project is growing larger by the day, and therefore my time is dwindling.

I think this is the direction we're leaning.

Thanks for that link! Our dance choreo person also does combat pretty well but it's useful to have that article in the back pocket when the director starts saying "it's just for one scene."

We’re doing a production of "The Nutcracker: A Play" and the script calls for a glowing magic sword. I’d appreciate any suggestions on how to create this (on a community theater budget). The sword will be used in stage combat.Suggestions I’ve had so far include a black light effect or...

Luckily with the purge had help from founding member of the theater and they were of the mind that we'd had stuff way too long that we "might" use someday. The problem is getting to the point where you buy and make things you already have because you can't find them or get to them. Our supply...

Thanks, ship, it is a nice place to work in. We have a good size scene shop, prop room, and costume storage, but no theater of our own. We rely on local schools and other venues. When I started volunteering, our scene shop was not very functional because it was filled with a decade's worth of...

Wow, so 10+ years since this original post, but just wanted to say THANKS!! I'm a hobbyist (i.e., self taught) TD at a community theater and I used this system for our latest set. Cast is rehearsing on it now and say they've never had such stable platforms! Some pics here.