by Dolly DeVonderland

Created on: April 04, 2011   Last Updated: April 06, 2011

With a good basic set of set pieces, the costs and time of making sets for each production are greatly reduced.  Theaters and theater groups can build upon their collection with each show, but a few simple pieces can become many wonderful things.  By taking the care to make these set bases, any number of looks can be achieved.  The base pieces on their own are also quite suitable for improv groups to use if finished and painted.

A wall panel with a door in the center is an invaluable piece.  Using removable panels to change the look can make the difference between outdoors and indoors.  The door should ideally be removable, should a different style be called for, or the piece becomes damaged.  Having this piece on wheels can allow it to be turned, possibly using both sides for a quick set-change.  By placing a few larger items on stage, tables, flowerpots or such, the wheels can be hidden from the audience.  An additional panel with a window opening can be made the same way, and with a few simple panels being added can change for each production into the ideal backdrop.

Basic boxes constructed of plywood can yield any number of pieces of furniture.  A table suitable for the height of an average chair is an essential.  Another piece of approximately counter-height can serve as a bar, kitchen counter, or any number of other things.  Having a solid base, any number of looks can be achieved by attaching panels to suit the purpose.  Attaching a cover changes the look from a space ship's control center to auntie's old worn kitchen cupboards.  A wide array of sets can be arranged with a few cubes and boxes of varied sizes.  For economy in aesthetics as well as budget, painting a variety of boxes in muted colors can be more than enough to make the suggestion of any number of scenes.

By making the initial investment of quality materials and careful work, a civic theater group, school drama department or other budget-minded production companies can save in the long run.  Having base pieces to create sets from not only saves money, energy and time, it also saves trees.  A well-constructed set of basic set pieces can serve a theater group well for many shows, season after season.  By adding decorative panels, covers or by simply repainting the pieces, any number of different looks can be achieved. 

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