How to Make a Backyard Movie Screen

Have a Backyard Movie Night

A backyard movie night is fun for kids of all ages. In just a few easy steps, you can your backyard into a outdoor movie theater reminiscent of the drive-ins of days gone by. Great for kids' birthday parties or an evening picnic.

Things You'll Need

• One 9' x 12'white canvas tarp from a hardware store
• Six 1 1/4" PVC poles, six feet in length
• Four 90-degree PVC fittings
• Three "T" tube fittings
• Nine yards blackout fabric from a fabric store or a black canvas of the same dimensions as the white canvas
• Sewing materials designed for sewing canvas or other heavy-weight fabric

Instructions

1. Layout the white canvas and the blackout cloth or canvas. Make sure the blackout cloth is the same size as the white canvas. Trim if necessary. Sew the two pieces together into one large piece.

2. 

   Layout the PVC piping and connectors as seen in photo. Insert PVC pipes into. Lay the canvas over the frame, with the ends of the canvas overlapping the frame.

3. 

   Using a pencil, mark the canvas for sewing. While not to scale, the accompanying image demonstrates where you should sew. This creates pockets within the screen for the PVC to support the screen. Sew.

4. 

   Cut out notches in all four corners, as well as in the middle of each side to allow space for the connectors.

5. 

   Assemble the screen by inserting the PVC pipes into the sewn pockets. Connect the pipes by using the connector pieces.

6. 

   Pound the movie screen into the ground and enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

• Allow for about 12 hours to complete this project.

• Consider adding stakes or additional support during windy weather.

• Always measure two or three times before sewing to ensure the marks are accurate.

Resources

• Backyard Theater
• Movie Projectors
• DVD Projectors
• Inflatable Movie Screens