CHAPTER 14

DECKING METHODS

Generally speaking, platforming is the most difficult and expensive scenery to build. Platforms are more heavily constructed than most other stage scenery because of the weight they must carry — not only the weight of the setting that is placed upon it, but the combined pounds of all the actors as well. Moving objects create what is known as a live load, which requires a sturdier structure than a static load. Actors who are dancing, or running, or jumping up and down may create a load that is really several times their combined weight. A group of dancers running to one side of the stage will cause a great deal of lateral stress on the structure that elevates the platforming. Care must be taken to assure that any decking ...

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