Ahem... Here is my stage design! :-) Opinions please Posted by titere on Jul 04, 2008
  Hi everybody! This is my first puppet stage design, and I want comments and opinions, specially on the technical side (how to build it).
The drawings as simple as I could, so it is possible to understand the idea.

I made a full color illustration of a theater, to be printed in three panels, on PVC. Is a plastic material used to print signs, for interior exhibits for example. The three panels will be glued between each other with a wood "cube", giving the panels a space in between. When see from the front, it will look kind of "three dimensional".

All will be mounted on a black base, as shown. The "scenery design"  will be hang behind the last "panel", with enough space for the puppeteer to perform.

I am not so clear yet  as how to attach the panel set to the black structure, but I am on it.
Any comments or opinion please? Is my first stage design and is expensive to print the arts on this plastic panels, so I don't want any "big surprise" or error after...
Re: Ahem... Here is my stage design! :-) Opinions please Posted by Puppets4Avery on Jul 04, 2008
I am definitely not a puppet stage professional but have built a few things in my day.  I would suggest that the middle panel be part of the black structure and then the front and back would be solidly attached.  The wings would then make it solid to stand up.  For weight to hold it firm you may want to look at SCUBA soft weights.  They are bags full of pellets used for divers to sink.  THey come in different sizes and are nice and soft to work with and coform to what ever you lay it on and help hold it in place.  If the wings are removable you then have a great mobile set.  It looks very nice and I like the 3D effect.  Nice job.
Re: Ahem... Here is my stage design! :-) Opinions please Posted by Jon on Jul 04, 2008
I love the style of the design.  Giving the stage more demension is definitely a good thing.  I quess the only concern I have is weight.  Three PVC panels together could get kind of heavy.  Why not make one panel out of the PVC to give strength and the rest out of a lighter material like foam.  You could even carve the foam to give even more detail to your stage.  Then use floral paint to make it the color you want.

Just a thought.

Oh yeah.  How big are you thinking of making this?  You need to make sure you can transport it from location to location.  If you're needing it to be very large you may need to design in a way to break the front down into sections.

I love the design.  It's definitely more than you typical puppet stage.
Re: Ahem... Here is my stage design! :-) Opinions please Posted by titere on Jul 04, 2008
Thanks for the advices! 
To make panel number two permanently attached to the black base, is a good idea, for the stability.
Two print in PVC panel is not heavy! Prints glued to foam boards, are even lighter, but may not last the same .
I made a full color illustration of a theater, with all details of the columns, roof, stairs to the proscenium.... That is the one I will print on three panels. On this sketch I show here, I illustrate the panels in three different colors, but is just so is easy to "see" it here. The final art is not on this colors, is the full drawing!
Re: Ahem... Here is my stage design! :-) Opinions please Posted by Shawn on Jul 04, 2008
Very nice design.  I think you are on the right track.

The only thing I can think to suggest is a "shelf" on the back of your back panel where the puppet can set props.  You may not need this if your three layers well actually make that "shelf".

I see no problem with using the PVC panels with the printing on them as far as weight goes.  I understand the product you are taking about and it is very light weight and should hold up pretty good.
Re: Ahem... Here is my stage design! :-) Opinions please Posted by titere on Jul 05, 2008
I am kind of new  on the theater world of puupets, so I may ask: What is "props"? Is that the things that maybe part of the set, besides the puppet? Like a cup, a chair, or things like that? Thanks a lot for the ideas!
Re: Ahem... Here is my stage design! :-) Opinions please Posted by Jon on Jul 05, 2008
That's what a prop is.

The word "prop" is short for "property".  So a prop is anything the theatre may use in the course of a production
Re: Ahem... Here is my stage design! :-) Opinions please Posted by titere on Jul 05, 2008
  Thanks!
So, it is good to have a shelf for "props".
And what about the height of the "stage"? It is made for kids and adults. We will have a puppet show first, with adult puppeteers. Then we will have workshops,    with students (different ages). It is not so easy to make an adjustable base...
And the size of the stage "window" is about 3.5 feet wide. First I though it was a little bit too big, but I need space for the scenery. And on the play, it will be two puppets at the scene, must of the time. 
Re: Ahem... Here is my stage design! :-) Opinions please Posted by Shawn on Jul 05, 2008
You could build a "box" that you put inside the puppet stage for when the children are using it. You just have to be careful and make sure they do not step off the back of the "box".  When I say "box" I mean a small platform they can stand on that well elevate them to the correct height.
Re: Ahem... Here is my stage design! :-) Opinions please Posted by titere on Jul 05, 2008
So, the best is to buid it "adult size"? So, the "window" from the stage must be slightly over the head of the puppeteer?
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