Thought I’d post this link. If you need non-magic stage filler or stage dressing for your act this place might have something you could use. With some paint or minor changes you could find something here that might work for you. As these are meant for trade shows I’m thinking they would also come with road cases. They also have used cases for sale.

http://www.usedbooths.com

The pop up trade show displays are much like a spider backdrop at a much cheaper cost. I have been using them for years for wing dressing or backdrop supports. With companies not doing as many trade shows these displays are cheap on eBay. You can pick up a a 10' x 10' framework for under $200.

Thanks, Richard. Good input. I'm sure there are better prices around but I just thought this was an interesting place to look.

Cool site. Thanks!

The late Neil Foster, in his school assembly show used two large, opened, oriental parasols, downstage, left and right, to provide flash. He had a Jimmy Trimble backdrop screen, up center. Most of the working props were in a "tray" (the bottom half of a "telescope" which was on a small table.

Especially when working on a gym floor, the parasols helped "mark" the "proscenium", and "framed" the show.

The late De Yip Loo, when I saw him do his school show in 1954, borrowed two chairs and tossed a 36" rainbow silk on the chair backs. It accomplished the same thing as Neil's parasols. The silks were never "used" in the show, they just provided flash and marked the proscenium.

Loo used a John Shirley table, that was sold by Magic Inc. Upstage center of the Shirley table, two borrowed chairs supported the bottom of a telescope. As Loo worked, he placed the prop into the telescope behind him. When he finished, he placed his Mandarin robe on top of the props, replaced the lid of the 'scope, and walked out. IIRC, Loo's only set up props were the Rice Bowls, and the Big Egg Bag. (His Rice Bowls were HILARIOUS!!!!!)

I "borrowed" Neil, and Loo's idea. I placed two chairs down left and right, and had two 36" silks on the backs. BUT! I "improved" (???) Loo's idea! I used those silks to produce a rabbit for my finish.