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For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
---------------------------------------------------

Stagecraft Digest, Issue #464

 1. Lauan to Steel 
    by Chris Fretts <cfretts [at] indianarep.com>
 2. lauan flooring
    by <productionmanager [at] minnesotaballet.org>
 3. stage floor covering
    by "David R. Krajec" <drkrajec [at] stritch.edu>
 4. Re: stage floor covering
    by "Paul Schreiner" <pschreiner [at] rmwc.edu>
 5. Re: Balloon
    by "Davis, Thomas J" <TJDavis [at] westshore.edu>
 6. Re: Creative use of storage space?
    by "C. Dopher" <brooklyn [at] dopher.com>
 7. Re: Creative use of storage space?
    by "Jim at TheatreWireless.com" <stagecraft [at] theatrewireless.com>
 8. Re: Berkley Rep Fire!
    by "Dr. Randall W.A. Davidson" <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
 9. Re: Balloon
    by "Randy B." <rgbrzosk [at] usermail.com>
10. Re: odd stuff found in theatres/port-a-keg
    by CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
11. Re: Balloon
    by CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
12. Mic Protectors - was Balloon
    by "Randy Whitcomb" <rwhitco [at] comcast.net>
13. Re: WAS Balloon now Mic Packs
    by MissWisc [at] aol.com
14. Mic protectors (was re: Balloons)
    by "Andy Leviss" <Andy [at] DucksEchoSound.com>
15. Re: stage floor covering
    by "Josh Ratty" <josh.ratty [at] verizon.net>
16. Musical Theater Composers books...
    by Scott Parker <scparker [at] gmail.com>
17. Re: lauan flooring
    by Stuart Wheaton <sdwheaton [at] fuse.net>

*** Please update the subject line of your reply to use the subject
*** line of the message you are replying to! Please only reply to
*** one message subject in each reply.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Message-ID: <FD538F8E0ED7D211A70C00A0C9E924C701261FDB [at] irt_admin.indianarep>
From: Chris Fretts <cfretts [at] indianarep.com>
Subject: Lauan to Steel 
Date: Wed, 20 Jul 2005 08:50:18 -0500

Michael Heinicke wrote:

> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
> ---------------------------------------------------
>
> I need to attach lauan to steel tubing and am looking
> to those with more experience. I know the typical
> solutions to this problem: tek screws, construction
> adhesive (Liquid Nails), T-nailer, pop rivets, etc. If
> I can help it, I don't want to use fasteners through
> the face so that I have a smooth, finished surface.

In some circumstances where we need to make an fastener free attachment of
lauan or plexi to steel we use a VHB (very high bond) double-sided tape.
We've found it makes a good strong connection that will hold up to normal
flexing and bending.  McMaster-Carr www.mcmastercarr.com sells several
varieties.  The tape is relatively expensive, from $50-100 per 72yd roll,
but when you don't/can't wait for panel adhesive to dry it is a good
solution. 

Chris Fretts
Technical Director 
Indiana Repertory Theatre

------------------------------

Message-ID: <000201c58d31$a738f950$0500a8c0 [at] lpt>
From: <productionmanager [at] minnesotaballet.org>
References: <list-23786293 [at] prxy.net>
Subject: lauan flooring
Date: Wed, 20 Jul 2005 08:48:02 -0500
Organization: Minnesota Ballet

<I'm a bit confused here, if the drop is shrinking, isn't
that the idea behind sizing?  If the staples pulled out,
that suggests that the drop wasn't well stapled, not that
the lauan was somehow responsible>

Yes, but the drop kept shrinking. A properly sized drop only shrinks once, 
or at least shrinks very little after that. It wasn't the staples either, it 
was properly stapled. All the paint went right through the drop and soaked 
up into the lauan. You can stand behind the drop and see the audience right 
through the fabric. Thankfully it still looks good on stage because it's a 
backdrop with no light behind it. We did lay down some plastic for the next 
drop, but the designer really doesn't like to with the claim that water will 
pool more. I haven't met very many designers that like to paint on a paint 
frame for a full stage backdrop. If the drop is vertical and your paint 
brush is too wet, you'd get a bad drip run. Not that people don't do it, 
it's just that in the last 16 years I've only seen a paint frame used once 
for a drop.

<I was recommending it as a stage floor, not a paint deck surface.>

I'm painting on a stage floor right now, and the theater also has a paint 
frame. The designer feels painting on the floor has more advantages. The 
biggest problem I see in theater is that many different uses of spaces and 
things require many variables. If I had a dollar for every time I heard a 
artistic director (or anyone for that matter) say: "well, we just won't use 
it for that" or "we won't do that." I'd be a rich man. It's a sure bet that 
as soon as you hear those words, with in a year or two.....you'll be doing 
exactly what they said they won't do. And you want to know why? Because it 
pays the bills.

<Have you ever actually used it as a stage floor?  For a
short/moderate length run without heavy wagons?>

Even you admit that it has limitations. Often theaters need stuff to last 
just because of budget. It is a great material, and if you can afford to 
replace it often great. I wouldn't mind working at a theater with that kind 
of budget.

Ken




------------------------------

From: "David R. Krajec" <drkrajec [at] stritch.edu>
Subject: stage floor covering
Date: Wed, 20 Jul 2005 10:27:42 -0400
Message-ID: <JIEMJMFJPNIEFMCDLBDOIEAICCAA.drkrajec [at] stritch.edu>
In-Reply-To: <list-23786293 [at] prxy.net>

I've been reading with keen interest all of the flooring solutions that we
have come up with.  We all use some sort of Duron, Masonite, tempered
hardboard (a rose by any other name) product.  Usually 1/4" thick.

Warping seems to be an issue.  I would offer a solution that someone about
30 years ago shared with me.  It seems to work.
When you get your order of the above named floor covering, layout some
plastic sheeting (visqueen) near your stage floor.  The plastic sheeting
should be large enough to wrap the entire stack of sheet goods.  Fill a
Hudson sprayer with water.  Lightly spray the first sheet in your stack with
water.  Take it off the stack and place it wet-side down on the plastic
sheeting.  Spray the dry side of the floor covering.  Proceed to do this to
the rest of the stack.  (It helps to have two helpers - you run the sprayer,
they flip the sheet goods.)  Wrap up the stack and go home for the night.

By the next morning, the sheet goods will have absorb some of the water, and
thereby have swelled slightly.  Start laying out your sheet goods on your
floor and fastening them down (fasteners are your choice - I like drywall
screws.  Remember to countersink them).  Butt them up tight to each other.
If you have a good crew you can finish in a day.  When finished, go fishing
for a couple days.

When you come back, you will have neat little 1/16" to 1/8" gap between each
sheet.

Paint with whatever you like, but make sure it is something that will stick
to the tempered surface of the sheet goods.  I have discovered that if you
simply use latex paint, if you build up enough layers then roll a piano or
wagon over the sheet goods, the layers of paint will separate from the
tempered surface.  Proper initial treatment is essential.

My two cents.

David K.



------------------------------

Subject: RE: stage floor covering
Date: Wed, 20 Jul 2005 10:39:26 -0400
Message-ID: <6E497ADB607656479C24E6D7BF6B505A0196C879 [at] exchange.rmwc.edu>
From: "Paul Schreiner" <pschreiner [at] rmwc.edu>

> Paint with whatever you like, but make sure it is something=20
> that will stick to the tempered surface of the sheet goods. =20
> I have discovered that if you simply use latex paint, if you=20
> build up enough layers then roll a piano or wagon over the=20
> sheet goods, the layers of paint will separate from the=20
> tempered surface.  Proper initial treatment is essential.

It has been said in this space (though not by me) before that a
similar--but theoretically more stable--method is to prepaint both sides
of the MasoTemperDuroBoard (tm) before installation.  Granted, that
doesn't fix the peeling issue (which I've never really noticed with
pianos as much as spike/gaff tape), but it does eliminate the need for a
three-day fishing trip while waiting for the sprayed water to get
absorbed.

Whether or not that's a good thing is your call.

------------------------------

Subject: RE: Balloon
Date: Wed, 20 Jul 2005 10:40:49 -0400
Message-ID: <3CF87682970858499CA56707FB1F092B0A91FE [at] wscc-s-003000.westshore.edu>
From: "Davis, Thomas J" <TJDavis [at] westshore.edu>

Hopefully, my students who may be reading this thread will recognize the
correct application of the non-lubricated vs. lubricated "mic pack
protector."  I really don't want mic packs being chased like greased
pigs all over the stage during act II tonight.

For those of us in academia, it would make life much easier if some one
of you suppliers out there would arrange with a manufacturer of "mic
pack protectors" to work out packaging with separate labeling and SKUs.
Our business office would have no problem issuing a PO for "mic pack
protectors" at $25/dozen, but is specifically restricted by board policy
(under our medical reimbursement policy) from reimbursing an employee
for a contraceptive device.

If your situation is like mine, it is well worth $5 for the look on the
face of the accountant when you present the bill for a box of "mic pack
protectors."  And watching them scramble through the office trying to
find the chapter and verse on why they can't reimburse this particular
expense.

Oddly, a few years ago, when we did Dracula, I had no problem being
reimbursed for a "dead rat" and a "bloody severed head" bought at a
novelty shop, but there is no board policy on those items....

Which reminds me....maybe we should start a new thread:
What is the most bizarre prop you had in your trunk when stopped for a
traffic violation ("please officer, don't make me open my trunk")

Tom Davis



-----Original Message-----
From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Stuart
Wheaton
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2005 10:15 PM
To: Stagecraft
Subject: Re: Balloon

For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
---------------------------------------------------

Steve Larson wrote:


> Mic pack protectors, like to keep sweat out of the
> packs?  Could you supply some info of these.  We've
> been using condoms.
>=20

Pay no mind to the rest of those idiots...

I happen to supply mic pack protectors, they come in 12=20
packs and I can supply as many as you need at $25 per 12.=20
let me know how many you need, and don't pay any attention=20
to those humorists who think they might be condoms.

Stuart



------------------------------

Date:	Wed, 20 Jul 2005 11:42:31 -0400
Subject: Re: Creative use of storage space?
From:	"C. Dopher" <brooklyn [at] dopher.com>
Message-ID: <BF03E927.1B63D%brooklyn [at] dopher.com>
In-Reply-To: <BAY102-F2239D31ACF5381B94578D3E0D40 [at] phx.gbl>

On 7/19/05 12:15 PM, "Maurice Moe Conn" <t8rtekguy [at] hotmail.com> wrote:

> Paul,
> 
> I look at my "dead space" in the shop with a pained expression.  I have 20
> +/- feet of space that I can't touch.  The Sprinkler System was intsalled
> just below the roof line.  I was told early on that I could not construct
> anything that could block the system...ie: a loft.

I know a TD that has done precisely that in one of my fav theatres, one I
used to run myself.  It's been clear to me that he bends a lot of fire code
rules (a LOT) when he can get away with it.   The day is coming when he'll
be forced to take the loft down and - due to inordinate amount of money
spent putting it up  - he will lose his job.  He's made it clear my opinion
isn't wanted, so I don't have the heart to point this out.

Cris Dopher, LD


------------------------------

From: "Jim at TheatreWireless.com" <stagecraft [at] theatrewireless.com>
Subject: RE: Creative use of storage space?
Date: Wed, 20 Jul 2005 12:04:57 -0400
In-Reply-To: <list-23790244 [at] prxy.net>
Message-Id: <20050720160458.JGNQ25800.tomts13-srv.bellnexxia.net [at] p3m866>

> be forced to take the loft down and - due to inordinate 
> amount of money spent putting it up  - he will lose his job.  

Could he add some pipe amd sprinkler heads to meet code?


------------------------------

From: "Dr. Randall W.A. Davidson" <doomster [at] worldnet.att.net>
Subject: RE: Berkley Rep Fire!
Date: Wed, 20 Jul 2005 11:38:33 -0600
In-Reply-To: <list-23442980 [at] prxy.net>
Message-ID: <auto-000023791932 [at] prxy.net>

I am still very interested in seeing the pictures of the Berkley Rep fire,
if that is possible. rdavidson [at] riskit.com   Dr. Doom

-- 
Dr. Randall W.A. Davidson, Risk International & Associates, Inc. -
www.riskit.com   Latest workshops for Educational and Entertainment Industry
Performing Arts Personnel (Riggers, and Public Assembly and Educational
Technicians) www.riskit.com/workshops    International Secondary Education
Theater Safety Association (ISETSA) - www.isetsa.org

-----Original Message-----
From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of
thetd222 [at] email.unc.edu
Sent: Friday, July 01, 2005 12:56 PM
To: Stagecraft
Subject: Berkley Rep Fire!

For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
---------------------------------------------------

Hello all, I don't know if this has already been discussed & I a bit be
hind,
but if not...

PS - of course the pictures are not attached, email me off list if you want
to
see them.

- Will Leonard
ATD - Alabama Shakespeare Festival

-Fwd: Message -
Folks,

Many of you may have already heard, but the Berkley Rep scene/paint shop
burned to the ground Wednesday night, Thursday morning.  Our paint charge,
Lisa Lazar is the paint charge for the rep.  From what Lisa tells me, they
lost everything including their computers, all files, all tools, paints, and
a brand new set they had just finished.  Lisa told us they have eight days
to
build a new one before opening!  In addition, the TD was moving and had
moved
everything he owned into the space before moving it into a new space.  He
lost everything. On a positive note, no one was hurt.

Attached are pictures that were sent to Lisa from friends in Berkley.



Herb

Herb Garman
Safety Coordinator
Glimerglass Opera Company www.glimmerglass.org
Cooperstown NY 13326
607-547-5704  Ext. 223
607-547-6030 Fax


------------------------------

Message-ID: <002701c58d53$11b406a0$ee504898 [at] GLOBAL.SCJ.LOC>
From: "Randy B." <rgbrzosk [at] usermail.com>
References: <list-23777202 [at] prxy.net> <list-23781262 [at] prxy.net>
Subject: Re: Balloon
Date: Wed, 20 Jul 2005 12:47:16 -0500

If you go to the right bars you can find Mic Pack protectors in the fish
bowl or bucket on your way to men's room.  You may have to dig to the bottom
for the non-lubed one's :)


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Stuart Wheaton" <sdwheaton [at] fuse.net>
To: "Stagecraft" <stagecraft [at] theatrical.net>
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2005 9:14 PM
Subject: Re: Balloon


> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
> ---------------------------------------------------
>
> Steve Larson wrote:
>
>
> > Mic pack protectors, like to keep sweat out of the
> > packs?  Could you supply some info of these.  We've
> > been using condoms.
> >
>
> Pay no mind to the rest of those idiots...
>
> I happen to supply mic pack protectors, they come in 12
> packs and I can supply as many as you need at $25 per 12.
> let me know how many you need, and don't pay any attention
> to those humorists who think they might be condoms.
>
> Stuart
>
>


------------------------------

Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20050720112643.00cc8790 [at] pop.west.cox.net>
Date: Wed, 20 Jul 2005 11:26:43
From: CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
Subject: Re: odd stuff found in theatres/port-a-keg

>    The K size cylinders have keyed fittings so you cannot connect up
>the wrong gases.  It would be, as they say, a bad thing to hook up a
>tank of CO2 to aunt mildred's oxygen setup.

Ehm, I think that this was the exact reason that I asked if anyone knew of
a similar sized CO2 cylinder that would fit into the wheelchair-type
carrier.  I'd love to be able to find something common out there that would
work instead of custom making something that I'd have to convince someone
to fill every time.  It'd be great if someone had a line on something that
would fit into the normal exchange program most CO2 re-fillers like to
operate on.

>I'm sorry guys, but I think you need to catch up with the leading edge
>on this one.  Take a look at this:
>http://asciimation.co.nz/beer/

Yeah.  This relates directly back to the post on being careful what you
find/scavenge/store for future use.  You could end up with enough parts to
build something that could hurt you, or worse, just enough parts to
*almost* make something fun if you blew a coupla hundred bucks on the
important bits.
				Chris "Chris" Babbie
				Location Sound
				MON AZ

Delete key training and post trimming done by appointment.  Rates
negotiable, will trade for typing lessons/ADD treatment...

------------------------------

Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20050720113250.00cc8790 [at] pop.west.cox.net>
Date: Wed, 20 Jul 2005 11:32:50
From: CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
Subject: Re: Balloon

>I happen to supply mic pack protectors, they come in 12 
>packs and I can supply as many as you need at $25 per 12. 

I dunno, this is probably 10x what any other method pf mic pack protection
costs me.  For a re-usable solution, I like to get large freezer backs and
make custom sized pack protectors. Simply cut the corner off of the bag,
the size of the pack, and seal the seam with a seal-a-meal type sealer, or
put the bag in the pages of a phone book, with a 1/4" of bag sticking out
and seal it with a cig lighter.   Good for an eight show week.  I'm not
sure what a $2 mic pack protector has that's special, but it had better be
pretty danged special...
				Chris "Chris" Babbie
				Location Sound
				MON AZ

Delete key training and post trimming done by appointment.  Rates
negotiable, will trade for typing lessons/ADD treatment...

------------------------------

Message-ID: <000601c58d6a$2d42a7c0$6501a8c0 [at] D4D3R151>
From: "Randy Whitcomb" <rwhitco [at] comcast.net>
References: <list-23792450 [at] prxy.net>
Subject: Mic Protectors - was Balloon
Date: Wed, 20 Jul 2005 14:32:39 -0600


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "CB" <psyd [at] cox.net>
 For a re-usable solution, I like to get large freezer backs and
> make custom sized pack protectors. Simply cut the corner off of the bag,
> the size of the pack, and seal the seam with a seal-a-meal type sealer

This just made me think about trying Glad Press and Seal wrap.  Recently 
someone suggested using it for blood packs (works well btw).
Anyone try this yet?

Randy Whitcomb, TD
Price Civic Aud
Loveland, CO. 


------------------------------

From: MissWisc [at] aol.com
Message-ID: <212.51ba9f4.30101883 [at] aol.com>
Date: Wed, 20 Jul 2005 17:13:39 EDT
Subject: Re:WAS Balloon now Mic Packs

Has anyone tried the Glad "Press and Seal" wrap for mic pack protectors?  
Seems to me it would work OK. 
 
And for the person who's purchasing department would question the purchase  
of large quantities of condoms ... does your school have a health service or  
school nurse who can supply you instead? Else I'd suggest you simply educate  
your purchasing department (and the associated Powers That Be) of the safety  
application. "Prophylactic" means preventative or lessening the risk of, not  
"birth control." A hair tie is a prophylactic device as are leather gloves  and 
steel toe shoes.
 
Kristi
spending the week learning about "brain based learning" at the CM  academy!

------------------------------

Message-ID: <3183.67.85.196.182.1121901722.squirrel [at] webmail.ducksecho.com>
Date: Wed, 20 Jul 2005 19:22:02 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Mic protectors (was re: Balloons)
From: "Andy Leviss" <Andy [at] DucksEchoSound.com>

Chris "Chris" Babbie wrote:
> For a re-usable solution, I like to get large
> freezer backs and
> make custom sized pack protectors. Simply cut the corner off
> of the bag,
> the size of the pack, and seal the seam with a seal-a-meal
> type sealer, or
> put the bag in the pages of a phone book, with a 1/4" of bag
> sticking out
> and seal it with a cig lighter.

Even cheaper and easier than that, go to Uline.com and order appropriately
sized 2 mil poly bags, just wide enough to fit your packs (remember to add
the width and depth together!) and two inches taller. Use just like you'd
use a condom, stuffing the top with cotton squares and, if
desired/necessary, taping shut by folding the top edges over (I fold the
sides both towards the center, one at a time, rather than folding both
together, since this centers the openings for the antenna and connector
and avoids putting unnecessary strain on them).

--Andy


------------------------------

Date: Wed, 20 Jul 2005 19:59:36 -0400
From: "Josh Ratty" <josh.ratty [at] verizon.net>
Subject: RE: stage floor covering
In-reply-to: <list-23789372 [at] prxy.net>
Message-id: <005701c58d87$15ad0890$0201000a [at] Rattys>

The last time I remember laying down a floor of 1/4" maso, we used 1/16"
thick pieces of sheet metal to space the sheets. I think they were
drawer dividers that you use in those industrial gray shelve and drawer
units. It's quick and easy if you don't have time to spray and restack
all of you goods and let them sit overnight.


Josh Ratty


------------------------------

Message-ID: <90d9c9980507201838272d6d49 [at] mail.gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 20 Jul 2005 21:38:03 -0400
From: Scott Parker <scparker [at] gmail.com>
Reply-To: Scott Parker <scparker [at] gmail.com>
Subject: Musical Theater Composers books...

Greetings all,
My wife is planning on teaching a new class on the American Musical at
her high school. She's looking for a copy of:
"Show Tunes: The Songs, Shows, and Careers of Broadway's Major Composers
by Steven Suskin "

Any suggestions for other titles?

Thanks...

--=20
Take care, Scott

Scott C. Parker
Professor/Technical Director
Dept. of Performing Arts
Dyson College of Arts and Sciences  [at]  Pace University
Office/shipping: 41 Park Row, 1205F
Mailing: 1 Pace Plaza=20
New York, NY 10038
212-346-1423  Fax: 914-989-8425

------------------------------

Message-ID: <42DF02C5.70105 [at] fuse.net>
Date: Wed, 20 Jul 2005 22:04:53 -0400
From: Stuart Wheaton <sdwheaton [at] fuse.net>
Subject: Re: lauan flooring
References: <list-23786293 [at] prxy.net> <list-23788685 [at] prxy.net>
In-Reply-To: <list-23788685 [at] prxy.net>

productionmanager [at] minnesotaballet.org wrote:

> <I'm a bit confused here, if the drop is shrinking, isn't
> that the idea behind sizing?  If the staples pulled out,
> that suggests that the drop wasn't well stapled, not that
> the lauan was somehow responsible>
> 
> Yes, but the drop kept shrinking. A properly sized drop only shrinks 
> once, or at least shrinks very little after that. It wasn't the staples 
> either, it was properly stapled. All the paint went right through the 
> drop and soaked up into the lauan.

In days gone by, according to Pectal and Burris-Meyer & 
Cole, a layer of Bogus paper was laid down under the drop. 
That paper would be as absorbent as any dry Lauan, and kept 
the paint from puddling on the sealed floors.

> You can stand behind the drop and see 
> the audience right through the fabric. Thankfully it still looks good on 
> stage because it's a backdrop with no light behind it. We did lay down 
> some plastic for the next drop, but the designer really doesn't like to 
> with the claim that water will pool more.

What exactly was the drop made of?  seems like 2 oz. muslin 
or bobbinette or something...

> I haven't met very many 
> designers that like to paint on a paint frame for a full stage backdrop. 
> If the drop is vertical and your paint brush is too wet, you'd get a bad 
> drip run. Not that people don't do it, it's just that in the last 16 
> years I've only seen a paint frame used once for a drop.

Where did the paint frame enter into a discussion of 
flooring materials for the stage?

> 
> <I was recommending it as a stage floor, not a paint deck surface.>
> 
> I'm painting on a stage floor right now, and the theater also has a 
> paint frame. The designer feels painting on the floor has more 
> advantages.

Of course it has!

> The biggest problem I see in theater is that many different 
> uses of spaces and things require many variables. If I had a dollar for 
> every time I heard a artistic director (or anyone for that matter) say: 
> "well, we just won't use it for that" or "we won't do that." I'd be a 
> rich man. It's a sure bet that as soon as you hear those words, with in 
> a year or two.....you'll be doing exactly what they said they won't do. 
> And you want to know why? Because it pays the bills.
> 

This seems like some sort of red herring too, how does it 
relate to the use of Lauan as a stage flooring material?

> <Have you ever actually used it as a stage floor?  For a
> short/moderate length run without heavy wagons?>
> 
> Even you admit that it has limitations. Often theaters need stuff to 
> last just because of budget. It is a great material, and if you can 
> afford to replace it often great. I wouldn't mind working at a theater 
> with that kind of budget.


I used Lauan in theatres with the lowest possible budgets, 
because it holds up well, and is very re-useable.

OK, lets get some facts on the table...

Lauan is about 12 bucks a 1/4" sheet last I checked.
You can take it off the truck, drop it on the stage floor, 
staple it around the perimeter and a few down the middle of 
the sheet, butt those seams as tight as you can, prime your 
floor with latex paint, paint it and roll on a coat of 
waterborne Poly.  That floor will last a year or more under 
normal dramas, weekly piano movings, a two week run of "A 
Chorus Line", etc.

The lauan will not warp and buckle from the paint coat, 
though if unsealed, it can delaminate if you get it too wet, 
I mean if you really soak it down and leave puddles standing.

Tape does not damage the surface of lauan.

You can whack the stuff down with a narrow crown stapler. 
No countersinking or expensive screws.

Stuart


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End of Stagecraft Digest #464
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