Broadway Flat Construction

In theatre we often have the dubious task of creating entire worlds in small playing spaces. One tool theatre artists use to create and define space is the flat. A flat or scene flat, is a flat piece of painted scenery often consisting of a wooden frame covered with stretched fabric or wood.

There are two basic flats used in theatre and film, the Broadway flat and the Hollywood flat. The Hollywood flat is constructed entirely of wood and is generally heavier and more durable. Thy are primarily used in film hence the name Hollywood flat. Their size and weight often makes them impractical for stage use. When used on stage they are generally part of a composite or box set.

Broadway flats are flats with wooden frames covered in muslin. Though less durable they are lighter and easier to move around stage making scene changes much easier. Broadway flats are the preferred flat for stage use. The muslin can be painted and used to create 3-D worlds on a two dimensional plane. 

The video clip below explains the different parts of a Broadway flat and how a Broadway flat is constructed.