Students are in the process of building a set of stock scenery flats for the Bertha Martin Theatre. Stock scenery consists of scenic units which can be used over and over again on a number of productions. One of the necessary skills all scenic carpenters need is an understanding of flat construction. The following pictures document the process from creating the jig to completion.

Senior Mandy Heath is laying the precut lumber into a jig to build a 4' x 10' flat.

Here, a Stagecraft student is preparing a keystone to be stapled onto the flat.

A close up of a rail showing the 1" offset of the corner blocks from the edge of the flat.

Once the frame is completed, the next step is to cover the flat with 1/4" luan.

The luan is attached with glue and 3/4" narrow crown staples.Back view of a finished 4' x 10' flat.

Once completed, if built properly, a flat can last up to 20 years!

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