A stage can be part of the structure of the building itself, or a freestanding unit.
In many theaters, producers use a stage to separate the actors from the audience. It creates a distinct playing space that helps to build the illusory world of the play. A stage is a raised platform built to support the weight of the actors, set pieces and other objects that are placed on it during the course of a performance. While stages vary in design, a small stage can be constructed using 1-inch by 6-inch lumber and 3/4-inch plywood.
Instructions
1. Use a table saw to cut 64 feet of 1-inch by 6-inch lumber to a width of 5 1/4 inches to serve as the framing for the platform. Measure and cut two pieces at 8 feet for the stiles; three pieces 7 feet by 10 1/2 inches for the rails; and six pieces 4 feet by 10 7/8 inches to form the toggles.
2. Align the end of one of the rails with the face of an end of one of the stiles to create a flush corner. Glue the end of the rail and hold it in place against the side of the stile. Shoot three nails through the face of the stile and into the end of the rail using a nail gun. Use the same method to create a second corner with the other stile at the other end of the rail. Attach the second rail between the free ends of the two stiles to create a box.
3. Measure and mark 4 feet from one end of each stile. Align the center of the third rail piece with the mark on each stile to create a center support inside the box. Glue and nail it into place.
4. Measure and mark 2 feet, 4 feet and 6 feet along each of the three rails. Start your measurement from the same side of the box each time. Align one of the 10 7/8-inch by 2-feet toggles between two of the marks, parallel with the stiles. Glue and nail it into place. Continue to attach toggles between the rails until all six are in place.
5. Glue the top edges of each part of the platform framing. Lay a piece of 3/4-inch plywood across the framing so that it aligns with three edges of the frame and touches the center rail. Begin at one corner and nail the perimeter of the plywood into place along the rails and stiles. Nail the plywood to the toggles after the perimeter is attached. Repeat this process with a second piece of plywood to deck the other half of the platform.
6. Cut 18 pieces of 1-inch by 6-inch lumber to 17 1/4 inches. Attach two pieces along the long edge to create an 17 1/4-inch L-shaped leg using glue and nails. Repeat the process with the remaining 16 pieces. Cut 18 pieces of 3/4-inch lumber 4 inches by 18 inches. Attach these pieces together in the same manner as the legs to create nine smaller L-shapes. Screw one end of each of the smaller legs to the framing at each corner of the platform, at the center of each edge where the toggle meets the outer perimeter, and at the center of the platform. Glue the exposed face of each of the attached 4-inch legs and fit 1-inch by 6-inch legs over the faces flush with the edge of the platform framing. Nail the larger legs to the smaller legs.
7. Cut four pieces of 1/4-inch plywood 2 feet by 8 feet. Attach the pieces to the framing and legs of the stage with screws and cover the open area below. Paint the stage.
