How to Make a Western Town Backdrop
Creating a western backdrop for a play or party can add that timeless touch of rogue fun that makes the event extra special. Creating a western backdrop is as easy as taking cues from some of the great western movies and adding your own creative spark.
Things You'll Need
- Paper
- Pencil
- Large cardboard boxes
- Poster board
- X-acto knife
- Scissors
- Markers
- Paint
- Paintbrushes
- Duct Tape
- Wood lumber scraps
- Bales of hay
- Props (rubber snakes, skulls, wagon wheels etc.)
- Stage lights
Instructions
-
-
1
Watch some old western movies to get ideas for your background. Rent movies such as "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance," "The Searchers" and "Stagecoach."
-
2
Sketch a design of your background. Include all details, including props.
-
-
3
Obtain all the materials you will need. Get large cardboard boxes from furniture and appliance stores. Get hay bales from a farm. Get rubber snakes and skulls at a joke or costume shop. Browse antique stores for unique props such as old wagon wheels, signs and hitching posts.
-
4
Cut out windows in the cardboard boxes. Paint the front sides to look like storefronts. Include a saloon, jail, hotel and bank in your western town.
-
5
Make "wanted" posters using poster board. Use pictures of real people that will be at the event for some real laughs.
-
6
Cut out cardboard cacti and spiky yucca plants. Color with markers or paint. Attach a vertical stand made of wood or cardboard behind each plant.
-
7
Cut out cardboard barrels and wagon wheels, if you can't find any of the real thing. Make sure to draw fake bullet holes in the barrels and on some storefronts.
-
8
Set hay bales, rubber snakes and dried skulls out across the backdrop.
-
9
Use warm red, orange and yellow lights to create a "sunset" effect on your western backdrop.
-
1