A Quick Tip For Keeping Doors Open

Introduction: The Challenge of Doors on Stage

This one has been posted in the Facebook Group a few times and it's one of my absolute favorite gems!

If you've ever built a set with working doors, you know the frustration of dealing with doors that won't stay put. Whether they swing open at the wrong moment or stubbornly refuse to stay closed, rogue doors can disrupt the flow of a scene and pull the audience out of the moment. Given that stage floors and sets are rarely perfectly level, this is a common problem. But fear not—I've recently come across a simple yet ingenious solution involving something you probably have lying around: an old paintbrush.

The Paintbrush Solution: A Clever and Practical Tip

So, here’s the trick: repurpose an old paintbrush to help keep those tricky doors in place. It’s straightforward and incredibly effective. Here’s how you do it:

Find an old paintbrush and look for the hole in the handle. Now, on the bottom of your door—on the upstage side where the audience can't see it—screw the paintbrush upside down using that hole in the handle. The bristles should touch the stage floor just enough to create a gentle drag.

Of course the beauty of this hack lies in its simplicity. The bristles of the paintbrush drag gently on the stage floor, creating just enough friction to keep the door steady. When you open the door, it stays exactly where you put it. No more doors swinging open at the wrong time or stubbornly refusing to stay closed and none of those expensive hinges. The resistance provided by the bristles is just right for holding the door in place without making it hard to open or close.

Why does this method work so well? For one, it’s incredibly simple. You don’t need any fancy tools or expensive gadgets—just an old paintbrush and a screw. Plus, it’s a great way to repurpose something that might otherwise end up in the trash.

This trick is also cost-effective. Theater budgets are often tight, and finding low-cost solutions is always a win. By using materials you already have, you can solve a common problem without spending a dime.

And let’s not forget, it’s unobtrusive. Since the paintbrush is mounted on the upstage side of the door, it stays out of sight from the audience and out of your actor's way. The visual integrity of your set remains intact, and the audience is none the wiser.

Versatility and Adaptability

One of the great things about this trick is its versatility. You can use it on various types of doors, and you can adjust the amount of friction by trimming the bristles. Whether you need just a little resistance or a bit more to keep a heavier door in place, this method is easily adaptable.

Conclusion: Enhancing Set Functionality with Simple Solutions

In theater, it’s often the simplest solutions that make the biggest difference. This paintbrush trick is a perfect example of resourcefulness and ingenuity at work. By keeping doors in place, you ensure smoother scene transitions and a more professional presentation. Give it a try in your next production and see how much easier it makes managing those pesky doors.

So next time you’re dealing with a rebellious door on set, remember the humble paintbrush. It’s a small hack with a big impact, proving once again that sometimes, the best solutions are right under our noses—or in this case, in our paint cupboards. Happy building!