Set

For the team members responsible for set, see Technical Director and Head Carpenter. For the tools available, see ADC workshop.

Set is essential to most productions. It can be minimalistic or ludicrously elaborate; every term a variety of sets appear around Cambridge, each very different to the next. This article will cover common elements and considerations of set; other articles cover the people and tools available to build them.

Wood

A number of suppliers stock wood; the ADC has an account with Ridgeons but you can also buy from Wickes if you prefer.

CLS

Canadian Lumber Standard timber. Generally 3" by 2" CLS is used: that's the nominal size in inches (actual size 63 × 38 mm). This is a stick of pine with rounded corners and planed to a smooth finish. It's versatile and easy to use, but not the highest-quality timber. It may arrive warped (distorted due to moisture). There isn't much you can do about this! 4" by 2" is also available but less commonly used.

Hardboard

A cheap and bendy man-made board, produced from wood fibres rather than recognizable slices of wood. Very effective for flat-building. One side is smooth and not very absorbent, while the other is textured and much more absorbent, so it will use much more paint.

Plywood

Available in various thicknesses (commonly 3.2 mm, 5.5 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, 18 mm). Plywood is generally stiffer than a fibre-based board of the same thickness. Normally only boards 18mm thick or thicker are sufficiently fireproof to be used in front of (or without) a safety curtain, but this should be discussed with your venue before purchasing materials.

Flats

A flat is a simple and effective set piece. It's generally constructed from 3mm board with a 38×63mm CLS backing, but this can vary to make it stronger, lighter, or cheaper.