Plywood
Plywood is a versatile building material made from multiple thin layers of wood pressed together. In set construction and theater production, it's commonly used because it's strong yet lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to work with. Set builders choose plywood over solid wood because it's less likely to warp, comes in large sheets that can cover big areas quickly, and can be easily painted or decorated. This material is fundamental in creating stage sets, exhibition displays, and temporary structures for entertainment productions.
Examples in Resumes
Managed material budget and sourced Plywood for 12+ theater productions annually
Built durable set pieces using Plywood construction techniques for touring shows
Supervised a team of 5 in creating complex Plywood set designs for major productions
Typical job title: "Set Builders"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Set Builders
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you manage a plywood budget for a large production while maintaining quality?
Expected Answer: A senior set builder should discuss material cost estimation, supplier relationships, waste reduction strategies, and how to balance quality with budget constraints while ensuring safety standards are met.
Q: What considerations do you take when selecting plywood for touring shows?
Expected Answer: Should explain durability requirements, weight considerations for transportation, assembly/disassembly efficiency, and how different grades of plywood affect portability and longevity.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What types of plywood do you typically use for different set pieces?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain when to use different thicknesses and grades of plywood, considering factors like weight, visibility to audience, and structural requirements.
Q: How do you ensure set pieces built with plywood are both sturdy and safe?
Expected Answer: Should discuss proper construction techniques, reinforcement methods, safety checks, and understanding of load-bearing requirements.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What basic tools do you use when working with plywood?
Expected Answer: Should be familiar with basic tools like circular saws, drills, measuring tools, and safety equipment needed for plywood construction.
Q: How do you prepare plywood surfaces for painting?
Expected Answer: Should understand basic surface preparation including sanding, priming, and filling techniques to achieve a professional finish.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic tool operation
- Simple construction techniques
- Following safety protocols
- Basic material handling
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced construction methods
- Blueprint reading
- Team coordination
- Problem-solving skills
Senior (5+ years)
- Project management
- Budget planning
- Team supervision
- Complex design implementation
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic safety procedures
- Lack of experience with power tools
- Unable to read basic construction plans
- No understanding of material properties and limitations
Related Terms
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