Theatre Design & Technology - Winter 1976 - 29

Mid-Size Post

1'-0"
1 '-6"
1'-6"
3'-{)"
3'-0"

+
+
+
+
+

Small-Size Post
1'-0"
1 '-()"
2 '-() "
2 '-() "
4 '-() "

Heights
1'-0"
1'-6"
2'-0"
3'-{)"
4'-{)"

to 1'-{)"
to 2'-{)"
to 3'-{)"
to 4'-{)"
to 6'-{)"

The spacing of the perforations in the Telespar
tubing allows height increments of 1" within the designated minimum and maximum for each combination of legs.
In addition, greater heights can be achieved by multiplying the leg combinations, i.e., mid-size + small-size +
mid-size + small-size, etc. By this means we have attained
platform heights up to 10'-6" with no additional post
lengths required.
The posts were purchased on the basis of estimated
single-production usage of the platform stock. Sufficient quantities of the shorter length posts were purchased
to allow for a possible usage of 75% of the stock in
heights up to 3'-0"; and quantities of the longer posts
were provided for a possible 40% use in heights from 3'-0"
to 6'-6". So far, th is projected usage has proven to be
more than ample.

not to mention the obligatory bracing and stabilization.
Since the slotted-angle plus Telespar system has been
operable we have mounted a number of productions in
which virtually the entire stage has been platformed (with
a proscenium opening of 44'-0", an average of 40 to 60
platforms employed), and in each instance, little more
than a day has been requi red to set up the entire platforming starting from scratch - pulling the platforms
and posts from stock, securing the posts at the proper
height, joining the units, and adding any necessary bracing. Not only that but, in several instances, a large portion of the platforming has been in the form of ramps
of varying heights, slopes, and lengths. Being able to
adjust the posts at 1" intervals makes the creation of
ramps as simple as the construction of level platforming. (Figures 4 and 5).

EVALUATION
While it might be somewhat idealistic to expect a completely unbiased evaluation from the developer of a scenic
device, I will endeavor to be as objective as possible.
In terms of the desired savings in storage space, materials, and set-up/strike time, the platform system has
succeeded admirably. The fact that virtually all possible heights can be obtained from a minimum quantity
of post units, and that those posts are considerably smaller than the previously used 2" x 4" lumber, provides
for good economy of storage insofar as the posts are
concerned. The framed platform tops, of course, are no
smaller than before and require an equal amount of
storage space; however, in our case, since we have
scrapped three or four different sets of platforms in
favor of a single system, we have achieved additional
storage economy.
In terms of materials, the savings will have to be
projected over an extended period of time. The cost of
the steel for the platforms was relatively high; however,
the cost tends to be a one-time affair, since there should
be little or no need for additional purchases. The fact
that the basic stock of posts will provide an almost unlimited variety of heights for the platforms virtually
eliminates the need for additional posts, and the durability of the steel is such that replacement for wear or damage should be minimal. This is in direct contrast to wooden-framed platforms which require completely new posts
for each different height and need fairly constant replacement. In addition, a part of the initial cost of the
steel was amortized by using for general scenic construction the lumber ootained from scrapping the old platforms. We salvaged enough 2 x 4 lumber to last us almost
a full two years with few additional purchases.
Perhaps the greatest single advantage has been in time
saved. Previously, a heavily platformed production required almost two weeks or more spent in cutting and
fitting appropriate sized legs to the necessary platforms -

I USITT

Fig. 4.

Fig. 5.
In addition to all of the advantages mentioned thus
far, the platforms are strong and rigid. We have found
that no diagonal bracing at all is necessary for heights
up to three feet, and only minimal bracing is required
above that height. Any time four or more large platforms are bolted together, little or no bracing is required. A few platforms which had been constructed
from 2'/,," x lY," 14-gauge slotted angle already in stock
proved to need some slight additional support and bracing when subjected to extreme impact stress, but the
12-gauge stock has been entirely adequate.
Noise has not proven to be a disadvantage as had been
feared at first. The 3/16" holdback designed into the
frames for attaching facings has also served to provide a
space between the metal frames when platforms are joined,

THEATRE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

WINTER. 1976

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Theatre Design & Technology - Winter 1976