When putting on a theater production, there are many different things one must think about. Actors, costumes props, and of course, stage backdrops. While good actors are vital to a play, a well-placed and well-designed backdrop can really bring the show to life! There are many companies who specialize in the sale and rental of backdrops. These companies usually have an abundance of beautiful backdrops for any occasion. The backdrop can create an illusion for the audience that the actors and props area actually in a different place!

A city scene is a popular backdrop which is used in plays. For example, a backdrop depicting city buildings and other scenery is often used and combined with props such as benches and lampposts. The combination of a well made backdrop and props can create a very realistic scene. In addition, sometimes people use panoramas of mountains, forests, or hills. In the foreground, they can use houses, trees or other props to create an interesting contrast between the nature beyond and the village or city in the foreground. Another way backdrops are used in plays is to bring the audience to a place where they would not normally go. For example, a play can depict astronauts floating in space or walking on mars with the use of a backdrop and creative lighting. Basically, a scenic backdrop can help any play come to life!

Many backdrops are made from linen material because it is known to work better at reflecting light and enhancing the mood using lighting. The lighting director must work closely with the technical director in order to assure the proper lighting for individual scenes. Lighting can help enhance the mood when there are no words spoken, this is very important in a play! There are several different positions where lights can be placed for different effects. For example, front lighting is used for visibility and color or to isolate an individual or set piece. Side lighting can be used to accent movements while back lighting is used to create depth on stage. On the other hand, backdrop lighting is brighter than the rest of the stage and is used to make the scene in the backdrop look more real. When staging a play, it is always important to make sure that the actors are not in the shadows, and the shadows and lights do not take away from the action on stage. In addition, no one likes to have lights in their eyes when they are watching a play. It is important to highlight the stage but not blind the audience!

What looks like a simple scene in a play takes an immense amount of planning and coordinating. There are usually several backdrops used in every play and each must be optimized using props and lighting to create a realistic effect!