When most people think of a farm, they think of an iconic, rustic red building surrounded by animals such as cattle, pigs, chickens and of course, a barnyard dog. The thought evokes a powerful image and a sense of nostalgia for American agricultural heritage. The American farm and barn are found in many plays and musicals throughout American history.
Let’s explore the imagery of barn and farm settings for your next rustic production, whether it is a scene from The Wizard of Oz, as Dorothy is swept away by a twisting tornado or Footloose, where small-town teens learn how to dance from a big city kid. Or perhaps your school is preparing for a production of other plays and musicals with scenes that depict agrarian life, such as Our Town, Oklahoma or The Music Man.
Barn Backdrops to Set the Stage
Farms historically symbolize a simpler time, when settlers planted crops, raised their children in nature and were self-sufficient with cattle and an agrarian lifestyle. Farms and barns also harken back to a time of resilience, independence, hard work and leaving a legacy by living off the land.
Performances such as The Music Man, Oklahoma, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and Footloose explore these themes, and our backdrops help create an atmosphere that draws audiences in and keeps them engaged throughout the production. Here are a few of our barn/farm backdrops to help your theater group set the stage for a fantastic performance.
Barn Exteriors
For theatrical performances that aim to showcase the exterior of a farm environment or its actual structures, these options, along with many others, can be rented from Backdrops By Charles H. Stewart.
This Red Barn Theater Backdrop features the exterior of a “Red Barn Theater,” with an extensive theater schedule, a wishing well, and an open door leading into the theater. The red color is iconic and evokes the historic nature of barns and farms.
This Farm Backdrop features a traditional farm landscape, with a farmhouse and barn, a wooden post fence, and an overgrown cornfield under bright blue skies. It is ideal for The Wiz, The Wizard of Oz, Oklahoma, and Honk!
Another option for an exterior farm scene is this Farm Backdrop, featuring a traditional white farmhouse, an adjacent barn, and cornfields with a large tree.
Interior Barn Scenes
For productions with scenes within the interior of a barn or farmhouse, here are a few options for your backdrops.
This Shed Interior Tab Backdrop shows a crowded barn interior with a hay loft, farm equipment and a wagon.
Another Shed Interior Tab Backdrop features a barn interior with a hay loft, a wood pile and a wooden wagon.
This Barn Interior Backdrop features a rustic wood barn interior showing a loft with hay.
This Barn Interior Backdrop features a rustic wood barn interior with a loft and many pieces of farm equipment.
From iconic red barn exteriors to rustic wood interiors, a barn or farm backdrop provides a versatile and meaningful setting for a wide range of theatrical productions, from beloved classics like Oklahoma and The Wizard of Oz to modern favorites like Footloose. By choosing an authentic, high-quality backdrop from Backdrops By Charles H. Stewart, your theater group can effortlessly set the stage, draw in your audience, and bring the rich symbolism of American agrarian life to your next performance. Explore the full collection today to find the perfect rustic scene for your production.