[SML] Platforming to go on the road

[Mike Katz]

Well said Alex, I am glad to see that you paid attention in class all those
long years ago! KISS is a great concept
Mike

Michael Katz
narishkup at gmail.com
C: 857.383.0020

On Tue, Feb 14, 2017 at 12:06 PM, Alex French via Stagecraft <
stagecraft at theatrical.net> wrote:

> For a 4x8 platform 8' in the air, I wouldn't expect the flipping action to
> be the tricky part.  I've walked up *much* large pieces with only a handful
> of people, and I can handle pieces that are only slightly smaller than that
> *by myself* in a pinch.  I'm not a big or particularly strong guy, I'm just
> comfortable applying the strength I have.
>
> [Free advice though: if you can do something "by yourself" "in a pinch",
> you should probably just avoid getting "in a pinch" and get at least one
> more person to help].
>
> So I would absolutely focus on what construction methods that you're
> comfortable with will support the forces involved in general, and then
> remember that you do need to be able to assemble and (which probably
> involves flipping it) too.
>
> If you don't need to setup and breakdown very fast, keep it simple- a
> "standard" 1x or 2x framed platform, wooden legs (maybe built up "L"
> sections) with diagonal bracing where you can fit it in, or stud walls with
> diagonal bracing (added sticks or solid sheets) where you can.
>
> Only get more complicated if you need to install very fast, or are doing
> this many times, or will have an absolutely tiny crew.  Keeping it simple
> will make it much easier to address the basic structural needs, rather than
> starting with something wacky like using crank-up stands, or any kind of
> rigging, or even folding "parallel" style platform legs.
>
> Also, definitely make sure that you've talked about the design and safety
> requirements with the hosts where ever the production may be traveling-
> there might be a local TD, a college EHS inspector and an actual Fire
> Marshal all waiting tell you that any platform above 4'-0" will require
> railings meeting very detailed specifications and escape stairs meeting
> stricter specs than you're used to and that you can't just use a step
> ladder under that trap door and so on.
>
> Alex French
>
>
> On Wed, Feb 8, 2017 at 9:38 AM, Paul Anderson via Stagecraft <
> stagecraft at theatrical.net> wrote:
>
>> I work for a small 4 year college and basically build scenery that sits
>> on the stage till strike.  The only shows I've built for packing in a truck
>> were already designed with that in mind.
>>
>> Our current production is being entered for ACTF participation and is
>> being designed by what are basically not designers.  So far they have a
>> platform setup that is 8 feet in the air.  The thought of raising heavy
>> platforms that high scares me.
>>
>> Not having done this I'm not sure what my options are.  One thought I
>> suppose is that there could be some sort of legging system put on each
>> platform while upside down, then roll those assemblies upright one at a
>> time and tie together.  Some sort of folding gate legs and simple plywood
>> tops instead of framed platforms is something I've also seen done.
>>
>> There is some masking underneath which could be load bearing.  But one
>> corner is to be black scrim with some action to be revealed under the
>> platform.  And one platform has to have a trap to get into this underneath
>> playing area.
>>
>> Any suggestions welcome.
>>
>> --
>> Paul Anderson
>> Technical Director for Theater
>> Hope College
>> Holland, MI
>> 616-395-7104 <(616)%20395-7104>
>>
>>
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