Some tips for stage carpenters
Disclaimer: Whatever I tell you, don't try taking it to the bank first thing. What you do is, you try it out, and if it works then you do it that way again next time. I'm not an expert, just an observant amateur.
- But this is good psychology: When you put up a level, don't attach the skin for a week. Give the Talent a chance to look at how carefully you did the work they'll be dancing on.
- A brace at the bottom of the flat won't keep it from falling; it will just rip apart whatever is holding the other end of the brace. Brace the top of the flat before letting go.
- Keep a pair of tweezers (or a stainless steel surgical hemostat) in your toolbox. You will need to remove splinters from your hands.
- New drywall screws can drive microscopic steel splinters into you. You won't get them out; just hope you don't develop an allergy to steel.
- Directors don't always understand how important this is: A set that's designed before you go to build it is better than one that you have to build while they finish designing it.
- The Screwdriver Paradox: You have to push on the screw gun when you're pulling the screw.
- If your theater company doesn't have a magnet-on-a-stick, make them buy one before your next strike. Not only can you reclaim pounds and pounds of hardware, people will actually sulk if they don't get to help you take down the set.
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Tips for carpenters