Has anybody on here created a backdrop to put on stage as a set piece for their shows. I'm thinking about creating my own, but I just need a little help getting started.

I have.  What kind of help are you wanting?  What to make it out of.  How large to make it etc.

I have. What do you currently use? And what are you looking to make exactly?

I know Lisa [LJ on the forums] has this great backdrop she uses for her shows, are you looking for something like that?
Here's a link to some pictures of her with it:
http://pocketsfulloffun.com/libraryprograms.aspx

How big or how small are you going with your theater?  I have a "miniature" theater made from to TV stands put together with a plywood proscenium.  I drilled holes into the bottom of the proscenium so that I could put props in the holes.  At the top of my wings made out of more plywood and attached to the proscenium with hinges, I glued simple wooden blocks an inch apart all the way at the top so that I could place a wooden dowel to rest on top between the blocks.  From those dowels, that acts as my "fly system" and I can attach whatever backdrop I want from a simple curtain to painted canvas.  There are endless possibilities.  I'll try to get some pictures up in the next couple of days to show you what I am talking about.  For my needs, I only need a small theater since I work in miniature and small rod puppets.  I like to keep the base of my theater simple and be able to change the skirting around the TV trays to match whatever show I am doing so I have everything painted in black or sewn with black fabric just for a base.  Oh yes, I also have holes in the top of my proscenium so that I can add a sign but for now I just have colorful flags up there right now.  Again, I'll get some pictures up soon.

Aloha,
Nikole

what is a backdrop?? I can't make it out of the pictures or the word what is is? The only thing I can think of are the gurtains................

Gompie,

Yes a backdrop could be curtains that hang behind you.  I could also be a painted scene on fabric that makes your audience think you are someplace else. Photographers use painted backdrops when they take portraits to make it look like you are outside some times.

Backdrops are also used in theater.  http://www.backdropsfantastic.com/

I've used a variety of different materials for my backdrops. I make them out of 1 inch sheets of styrofoam insulation, painted the scene on and easily hangs on the center back of my stage. I use painted fabric that drapes over the back of the stage, and other materials, depending on the look I am trying to achieve.

You want the backdrop to be easy to set up as well as light weight.

I've also made scenery with multiple scenes that has pages like a book. Turn the page and change the scene.

It would help if you were a little more specific in what you are thinking about doing for your set. One of the easiest things is to paint on a sheet of foam insulation board. Prime with latex paint, draw your scene, paint with acrylics and you're set.

Feel free to ask for help any time.

Sue

thanks shawn

If you are a solo performer looking for a backdrop I would highly recommend Magic Backdrops! That Is where I got mine that Gdub mentioned.  That website is www.magicbackdrops.com It has been worth every penny I paid for it and set up and take down is minutes! (cut my total set up and take down time by a half hour from what I was using before!) You can add things to it to fit any theme.

Sue, I love that idea of the scenery with pages that turn like a book! I could really use that at the moment, mind sharing information on it?