For this Lab we had to bring in 3 4×8 flats and set them up. This was our first group lab which got us in the swing of working with each other to set up and strike flats during a little over an hour period.
My group first had to mark out placement with a chalk line. This lab was simple because flats were connected in a straight line. Flats were then laid out face down onto the floor, and clamped together with C clamps. We needed a drill to make holes about 2′ apart in the stiles. These holes were for our bolts and washers to hold the flats together without clamps. After making sure all bolts were secured with a wrench, the flats were stood up by our team. Flats then had to be drilled into the floor.
Some issues during this lab were a flat at the end was not flush with the floor, making the flats wobbly, and sway. The gap could’ve been avoided if C-clamps were initially placed properly and flats were lined up, they could have shifted during this process. Small wedges of wood could be placed in the gaps, and we added a jack to the back of the flats for more security. Also sometimes if a flat is not made correctly, and lengths are off this can result in the same error of 3 “supposedly alike” flats lining up properly.
Once again this was a good example of team work, and an on the job stagehand situation. Communication/ precision is key. This was a similar task that would be used at a job.
