Wanted to know if any of you have experience with what types of backdrops work for outdoor performances.  My indoor backdrop really is not ideal for outdoor venues so I am wondering what can be used effectively.  I don't do too much outside but there is the occasional time.  Any suggestions would be welcome!

I would use a canvas cloth or " Tarps" and a weather proof paint such as enamel or the acrylic versions to paint your back drops. The Flea market where I'm located the lady has several rolls of this type cloth on big huge rolls.. ( this warehouse use to house Mill cloth products ) I believe it is about 60 " wide and she sells it for $3.00 a yard. I can get some for you or if you like I can mail you a sample piece to see if it works for you.
I use it to reinforce my mouth plates sometimes. Just PM or Email me with your address.

Billy D.

If you want to you can go down to your local home improvement warehouse and buy some canvas drop cloth.  That's what I used and if you prime and paint it with exterior paint it will handle any weather issues well and wear like iron.

That is a great idea but what do you mount the canvas on?  That is a problem for me too.  Thanks for the ideas - I will have to look for the canvas but I still need something strong to attach it to.

I sewed a slot for a 1 inch dowel rod to pass through and use that to support the canvas.  The canvas and paint together make the backdrop heavy enough for the backdrop to hang flat and straight.  If you thought that wind might cause problems you could add a slot for a dowel on the bottom as well this would let you secure the bottom.

Hey Lisa!
I recently was able to gain some experience with performing outdoors so I've gotten some pretty good ideas. To give you advice that best suits you I have to know, what do you currently use for your indoor performances and what's it made of? What are you looking for in this outdoor backdrop?
Hopefully I'll be able to help ya out!

I have two backdrops that I use for indoor, one is the Jet set backdrop which will NOT work for outdoors. The other one is made out of aluminum poles with very heavy bases that they set into.  The last time I performed outside the wind kept catching the backdrop and even though the bases are about 20 pounds each they tended to tip back.  I used bags of softener salt to set behind which helped but you get the idea, I figured there must be a better way!

There is another thread going somewhere in the back archives of the forum where we have discussed all this before. These were some of the solutions if I remember.
Adding fishing weights to the bottom and sides of the back drop to keep it from blowing about.
Adding sand to the insides of the alluminum or pvc poles to add weight. Tie downs are always helpful............. as well as sand bags or salt as LJ mentioned.
Sometimes this can be just a trial and error thing that you have to play with to aquire the effect you are looking for.
I will see if I can locate that thread and re-post it here.

Billy D.

For wind knocking down the backdrop, polls and all, I'd suggest using tent stakes and cord.  Even a small amount wind can generate a lot of force so make sure your material and polls are strong enough to take the pressure.  If the wind gets too strong, and you think you might dammage your set. I'd give out a rain check and pack up.

Here are those threads about different stage exeriences

http://puppetsandstuff.com/community/index.php/topic,457.0.html

http://puppetsandstuff.com/community/index.php/topic,681.0.html

http://puppetsandstuff.com/community/index.php/topic,1237.0.html

Billy D.