Theatre Design & Technology - Winter 1980 - 9

promise between complete locational interchangeability and
reduced backstage masking was reached by setting the standard panel width at 3' 8" with four other panels set at 3' 7" for
situations where a panel might have to fit between two perpendicular rails. The length of the standard panels was similarly reduced to 7' 8" for occasions when a panel might be
used horizontally. The panels are stiffened along their long
edges with 0/,6" x 1" flat bar stock fastened with 1 'hIt x 6 flat
head screws and painted the same brown as the stanchions.
The fact that this stiffener projects approximately 0/,6" in front
of the wood panel has not proved decoratively objectionable.
(Preliminary study of both elevation drawings and models
showed that the appearance of the facade required periodic
"punctuation" by the vertical stanchions. Thus, while it is perfectly true that mounting considerations required that some
panels be smaller than the 4' width suggested by the basic
stanchion spacing, the primary rationale of the undersize panels was decorative rather than mechanical. Furthermore, even
when the 3' 8" wide panels are centered on the longer oblique
rails-53 2 %/, stanchion centers-the discrepancy does not
seem esthetically objectionable. The undersize panels do
mean, of course, that backstage masking, especially up to
about 8' above the floor is a problem. This is routinely remedied by loosely stapling scraps of black cloth behind adjacent
panels and their stanchions. Thus, the "free standing" feeling
of the auditorium screens is preserved without sacrificing
masking.)

Fabrication Techniques
Most of the procedures necessary to construct the various
elements of this system will be readily apparent to knowledgeable technicians. Nonetheless, a few shop notes about some
of the techniques might be helpful to those contemplating similar projects. NOTE: Although dimensional data is supplied,
the builder is cautioned to verify structural strength for the intended application.

Grid Layout
Precision is of utmost importance. The layout was accomplished in four steps.
1) One length of the 8-24 strut was carefully laid out. Neither center to center nor cumulative error should exceed ±
%2". We found an error in one of the tape measures used, so
prudence suggests using several tapes to check the measuring devices themselves.
2) Once drilled, this length of strut served as a master jig
for the remaining sections. This was done for both the 0/,6" diameter pilot drill and 'Y.6" final drilling.
3) The end positions of the ten rails were located by their
corresponding locations on the stage floor. The end positions
were carefully drilled using a portable drill press to ensure
perpendicularity. The drilled lengths of strut were then temporarily pinned to the stage floor at their ends using short, specontinued p. 10

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Theatre Design & Technology - Winter 1980