The Ford’s Theatre stage is raked, meaning the back of the stage is raised higher than the front of the stage. At Ford’s, the rake is 7/16 of an inch per foot.

The rake can provide challenges to the actors, crew and stage management team as it forces the body to compensate by standing on an uneven surface. Ford’s brings in a Physical Therapist for each production to give insight and exercises to mitigate some of the effects working on the rake can take on the body.

Below are a few stretches and exercises that can be done. These handouts will be available in person the first day in the theatre.