Measuring the Deflection orVour Modular Staging: Predicted and Actual by Dennis Darn, Jim Keller, and Terry Richard his paper is the first of several which will focus on the subject of the design and construction ofmodular theatre staging. The purpose of this investigation is the development of a knowledge of temporary structures accessible to the typical theatre technician. Our interest in the project began several years ago when a University of Wisconsin-Madison theatre technology class investigated the advantages and disadvantages of a metal/wood composite platform design. In many ways the scope and direction of the investigation were analagous to Stancil Campbell's work as reported in his article "Steel-Framed Stock Platforming."l Subsequently a decision was made to further explore ways in which elementary engineering techniques might be employed to help quantify the re ponse of common theatrical StruCtures and to assist in the design of unconventional forms. Our long-range goal is to compile this information into a handbook of understandable and practical design techniques for theatre professionals and students. To date, the scope of this investigation has been limited to 4' x 8' modular theatre platforms subjected to concentrated and uniformly distributed static loads. Our interest lies specifically with the platform built in scene shops for staging purposes. Modular staging requires some of the most straightforward applications of structural design principles and therefore is an ideal configuration for this investigation. Several goals were established in order to provide focus for this research: The computer for this study was purchased with the first USJTT Endowment Grant, awarded at the 1986 Oakland conference. - ed. 18 TD&T . SUl\!MER 1987