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.

References

• western town props
• great western films