School Theater Platforms- Black Box Triscuits

Screen Shot 2021-08-31 at 11.53.23 AM.png

Today we are making Black Box Triscuits. Triscuits are a type of panel which is used for platform decking. The Triscuits can be rearranged based on the type of play or musical. They are meant to be flexible and adaptable to fit each production's needs. We designed and put together 30 Triscuits for our school’s Black Box Theater. There was a need for these specific Triscuits because the dimensions fit our black box. Also, they are stable and connect to the trusses well. So we got to designing and came up with a great solution to fit our school’s needs.

Supplies

8x4 Plywood Planks

2x4x8 Planks

Sketching and Creating Digital Mockups

Screen Shot 2021-09-01 at 10.59.37 AM.png

Screen Shot 2021-09-01 at 10.59.57 AM.png

Screen Shot 2021-09-01 at 11.00.07 AM.png

Screen Shot 2021-09-01 at 10.44.58 AM.png

We created a physical and digital mockup, so we had an idea of where we were starting with dimensions. We made the digital mockup on Fusion 360.

Plywood Cutting List

Screen Shot 2021-08-31 at 11.09.38 AM.png

Screen Shot 2021-08-31 at 11.22.13 AM.png

These are the dimensions for where we cut the wood.

Plywood pieces: L- 4” W- 4” H- ⅝”

Short side planks: L- 44” ⅞” W- 1 ⅝” H- 1 ½”

Long side planks: L- 47 ⅞” W- 1” ⅝” H- 1” ½”

Mark the Dimensions

Screen Shot 2021-08-31 at 11.24.03 AM.png

After we had our sketch, we marked our dimensions on the wood to easily cut each piece.

Cutting the Wood

Screen Shot 2021-08-31 at 11.30.20 AM.png

Screen Shot 2021-08-31 at 11.30.24 AM.png

Screen Shot 2021-08-31 at 11.30.28 AM.png

We then cut the pieces we had marked our dimensions earlier. We used a table saw to rip through the 2x4s, a miter saw to make quick cuts through the 2x4s, and a track saw to cut through the plywood pieces.

Assembling the Triscuit

We then put all of our pieces in placement and got ready to glue and drill them based on our Triscuit sketch.

Drilling the Frame Together

Screen Shot 2021-08-31 at 11.54.01 AM.png

The first thing we drilled together was the frame. We used a driver with six-point bits.

Gluing the Frames to Plywood Pieces

Screen Shot 2021-09-01 at 10.28.03 AM.png

We glued the frames we created to the plywood, to create an extra layer of security before drilling them. We used Titebond Original Wood glue and used a glue roller to apply the glue.

Drilling and Stapling All the Pieces Together

Screen Shot 2021-08-31 at 11.44.13 AM.png

Drilling the pieces together was the last step of the construction process. Drilling the Triscuit pieces makes sure nothing will budge, even if actors run and jump on the stage. We used a driver and six-point bits to connect the frame to the bottom plywood piece. Instead of drilling, we stapled the top plywood piece to the frame.

Next Steps

Screen Shot 2021-08-31 at 11.58.55 AM.png

Screen Shot 2021-08-31 at 11.53.29 AM.png

Screen Shot 2021-09-01 at 10.26.43 AM.png

After assembling your triscuits, feel free to paint them, add a sealant, or different methods of attachments to fit your needs. I hope this Instructables post helped create your very own Black Box Triscuits. Feel free to ask questions below.