Turning a Portakabin into a black box theatre

[MichaelPHS]

Right, I've finally got back onto this project of turning a space into a BBT. It is a Portakabin structure (kinda like a larger version of a foreman's office on a building site) which we can't paint/ do anything permanant to as we rent it long term. My Head of Department wants me to try and do this using curtains (full flame resistant of course, even though it will only be used as a rehersal/teaching space). I am unsure however on the best way to hang them. I am thinking a curtain track, with velcro edges on each edge to "seal" the space, but am unsure if it'd be a good idea as the room is 9m L x 12m W x 2.45m H, so not sure the tracks will hold the weight. Would multiple sections of track holding a segment work better? not sure if anyone has been in a similar boat to offer advise, but all welcome (including burning it to the ground and persuading them to build a fully equpiied second studio, I'm more in favor of that myself )

 

[Amiers]

If it truly is just a practice space why hang curtains at all. I would just tape out where things would be and let them use their imagination.

 

[MichaelPHS]

In theory that would work, but with kids being kids it is partly to mentally trick them into thinking they are in the studio space ie no windows, similar space so they link similar rules. There is also talk of getting portable lighting stands so assessments can be done in there, nothing major just internal class pieces

 

[gafftaper]

How about lightly tacking sheets of Luan painted black to the walls? Much cheaper than curtains and easier than track. Use the money saved to buy the simple lighting package.

 

[MichaelPHS]

gaff, that is so freakin' simple, I can't believe I didn't think of it. Makes a hell of a lot of sense too with kids as if it gets pulled down or damaged it wll be easier to fix. Tent style "window flaps" so we can still open the actual windows up when needed. Only concern will be some wall mounted heaters but I'm sure I can work around those somehow (safely of course)

 

[gafftaper]

Cut holes for windows and use some thick black fabric to make curtains. Don't use normal curtain hardware to hang them as they will hang to far out from the walls and not hang flat. Make them extra larger and figure out your own way to hang them so that they block out all light.

Cut holes for the heaters, it's much safer than any fabric hanging next to a heater.

 

[MichaelPHS]

Thats what I had planned gaff, got a good 6-8 inches on the heater mount before the actual heat becomes an issue (still flame-resisting to be safe) so will hang them behind, maybe even adjust the heater angle to direct it even more away from them.

 

[Timothy A. Samuelson]

How about lightly tacking sheets of Luan painted black to the walls? Much cheaper than curtains and easier than track. Use the money saved to buy the simple lighting package.

I second that!

 

[MichaelPHS]

Easiest solution of all. We've bypassed our school's community manager and approached the headmaster directly, who has managed to get it agreed we can paint it. Just need blinds for the windows now. The CM was adamant we can't, but before it goes back we would have had to repair and repaint it white anyway. Takes our estimate down now from a grand to 165-200 quid, which makes me happy because we can get more tech