In theatre, a platform (also referred to as a riser or rostrum) is a stationary, standard flat walking surface for actors to perform on. Typically, they are built to be assembled modularly. They are often used to provide varying levels, to make a show more visually interesting. They are also used to separate areas on stage, and as seating bleachers. This is in contrast to

scenery wagon A scenery wagon, also known as a ''stage wagon'', is a mobile platform that is used to support and transport movable, three-dimensional theatrical scenery on a theater stage. In most cases, the scenery is constructed on top of the wagon such that ...

s, which are mobile platforms that are supported by casters instead of feet.

Construction

Platforms are composed of a frame, a lid, and legs.

Lids

Lids are typically made from a sheet of

plywood Plywood is a material manufactured from thin layers or "plies" of wood veneer that are glued together with adjacent layers having their wood grain rotated up to 90 degrees to one another. It is an engineered wood from the family of manufactured ...

, although

oriented strand board Oriented strand board (OSB) is a type of engineered wood similar to particle board, formed by adding adhesives and then compressing layers of wood strands (flakes) in specific orientations. It was invented by Armin Elmendorf in California in 1963. ...

is also sometimes used. Sometimes another layer is added on top of the plywood.

Hardboard Hardboard, also called high-density fiberboard (HDF), is a type of fiberboard, which is an engineered wood product. It is used in furniture and in the construction industry. Description Hardboard is similar to particle board and medium-densi ...

is sometimes used as an easily replaceable and sturdy cover.

Homasote Homasote is a brand name associated with the product generically known as cellulose-based fiber wall board, which is similar in composition to papier-mâché, made from recycled paper that is compressed under high temperature and pressure. Homaso ...

is sometimes used because it is quiet and more comfortable to walk on. Occasionally, a layer of

muslin Muslin () is a cotton fabric of plain weave. It is made in a wide range of weights from delicate sheers to coarse sheeting. It gets its name from the city of Mosul, Iraq, where it was first manufactured. Muslin of uncommonly delicate handsp ...

is added on top of these materials, as it takes paint better than other options.

Framing

Framing is most commonly made of nominally 2"x4"

lumber Lumber is wood that has been processed into dimensional lumber, including beams and planks or boards, a stage in the process of wood production. Lumber is mainly used for construction framing, as well as finishing (floors, wall panels, wi ...

or rectangular steel tubing, oriented so that its longer dimension is vertical, perpendicular to the lid. Framing is usually arranged to be at or near every edge of the lid. In addition, intermediate members (sometimes called toggles) are added. Common rules of thumb dictate that the lid should not overhang the framing by more than three inches, and that internal framing should be two feet or less apart.

Legs

Wooden framed platforms usually use 2x6 legs, which rest just inside of the framing, under the lid, with a cleat which supports the framing. Steel framed platforms are often built with brackets to affix legs made of steel pipe. When large numbers of platforms are being used together, a stud wall is assembled to support seams between platforms, instead of using legs at all.

Other

Often, platforms that are kept in stock have

coffin lock Coffin lock is a slang term for a blind panel connector (also called a butt-joint fastener) often used in scenic construction to join together stage decks or scenery in a butt joint. These are two part connectors (male and female) that draw togeth ...

s inset in their framing or lids, in order to fasten them to adjacent platforms. The legs or stud walls that support the platform typically require diagonal cross bracing, often made of very thin lumber.

Stock usage