ABSTRACT
The basic rationale behind building flats is to provide a lightweight structure with a surface that represents a large flat area such as a wall. In earlier times, flats were essentially a large artist's canvas onto which all decoration such as windows, doors, wallpaper, and sometimes even furniture were painted. The most common soft-covered flat is a rectangular structure covered with fabric. The covering is often muslin, an all-cotton fabric that can be purchased in quite large sizes from theatrical suppliers. Before using power tools in the shop it is important to review some safety issues. Safety in a theatre shop should be stressed at all times. People of all different skill levels work there, and it is important to look out for one another. It is also important to wear safety glasses with any type of cutting tool, and hearing protectors with any tool that is loud enough to be annoying.
