I am trying to figure out how to brace a set piece. Because our cast is so large (60 high schoolers), I designed our set (for Scarlet Pimpernel) to have some of the stage elevated (giving audience a better view of all the shinging faces). I have a platform that is 28' x 8' upstage (32" high). During one scene, the local changes to a "Drawing Room." A local community theatre is allowing us to borrow "windows" for this scene. I don't know the exact dimensions yet. But, I saw the windows in a show and I would judge them to be about 8' square (with panels in them...no glass...just frames).

During the Drawing Room scene, I need to be able to put the windows up on the back of the platform and then take them down at the end of the scene. There is a distance of about 2 ft. between the back of the platform and the cyclorama.

I'm somewhat of a newbie at this (but am gaining experience rapidly!). In my mind, I am thinking maybe I could put some sort of temporary brace going from the window down to the floor that attaches with some sort of pin (kind of like a loose pin hinge but not a hinge). Does anyone have any ideas for me? Are my descriptions clear?

Flying them is not an option?

Thanks for the many ideas.

Flying them is not an option b/c I have a wire mesh grid above the stage.

Also, since these will be at the back of a raised platform, I don't see how I could use the French Brace. Perhaps the pipe affixed to the window with a hole in the platform is the best idea.