Selection of Stages and Risers
By: Ken Hufstater

When it comes to stages and risers for your school, the good news is that the industry offers a wide range of products from which to choose. The bad news is that the industry offers a wide range of products from which to choose.

Here are some of the important considerations involved in selecting the best stage for your performance needs and budget. 

Portable stages and risers, available from most manufacturers, are typically built from the same basic platforms. Stages are constructed by coupling multiple platforms of the same height, while risers are configured by coupling progressively taller height platforms to achieve a tiered effect for use with chairs. 

While most stages and risers are configured as simple rectangular structures, manufacturers also offer special platforms that can produce a variety of shapes to suit your specific requirements. Stages are no longer limited to being built with straight lines, either. Arc-shaped sections allow for curves to replace straight runs and even the creation of round stages.

Stage systems are available with fixed-height legs or adjustable-height legs. While fixed-height leg platforms are usually less expensive and may be adequate for your current needs, adjustable-height leg platforms can handle the unforeseen requirements of future performances.

Adjustable legs will also allow your system to be used as both a performing stage and a seated riser set for musical performances. Adjustable legs typically can be set at two heights, with an 8-inch or 6-inch differential in height. Purchasing platforms having adjustable legs with two different height ranges makes it possible to build a performing stage or a three-level riser using the same components. Many of the aluminum frame platforms offer legs of varying heights that may be inserted as needed, allowing the same deck to offer multiple heights. 

Stages and risers fall into three basic categories: mobile fold and roll units, portable units, and portable units with transport wheels. Mobile units may be rolled into position with minimal effort and are faster to set up than portable units, but they will cost more and will take more space to store in your facility. Portable units are the least expensive, but most units must be carried and placed into position by two people. Using caddies to store and transport platforms will save labor, improve safety, and protect your platforms from damage. Portable units with integral, transport wheels make it easy for one person to handle the platforms, yet they will cost much less than purchasing mobile stages.

Portable platforms constructed with plywood core decks, steel frames, and attached folding legs are the most economical, but these units weigh more than easier-to-carry aluminum-framed models with lightweight, hollow core decks. The legs on must aluminum-framed units are a loose component that must be assembled to the frame of the platform during setup.

When choosing the surface of the stage or riser deck, it is important to consider all of your performing needs. Tempered hardboard and sealed plywood surfaces are the most economical, but will show scratches and stains over time. Vinyl surfaces tend to resist scratches and stains better, but cost more. Carpeted surfaces are quiet to walk on, are durable, and hide stains when selected in dark color. If your performances involve dance, you will want to stay with a hard surface.

Coupling devices are required to secure individual platforms to adjacent platforms. Consideration should be given to the type of coupling provided with the stage system you are going to purchase. Some couplings are loose pieces that are inserted into the frames or onto the legs of adjacent units. Care must be taken to collect and store these loose pieces when the system is not in use.

Another type of coupling is a fixed hook that allows the frame of the adjacent unit to drop down over it. While there are no loose parts with this type of coupling, it may be difficult to lift and align the adjacent platform over the hooks, especially at the rear of the platform. Couplings that rotate or swing out from the frame or leg of the platform are easier to use, do not require lifting, and are secured permanently to the platform so they won’t get lost. 

It will be necessary to purchase one or two sets of steps to provide access to your stage, and I highly recommend that handrails be used with all steps for safety. While we are on the subject of safety, guardrails should be installed around the perimeter of the stage wherever they will not interfere with the performance. No stage or riser set is ready for primetime viewing without skirting to dress things up. Box pleat skirting has a neat and formal appearance, but it costs more than shirred pleat skirting, which has a less formal, gathered look. 

With careful product selection and the exercise of proper care in the use, storage, and handling of your stage system, your investment will deliver a solid performance for many years to come.

Ken Hufstater is vice president of marketing for Midwest Folding Products, www.midwestfolding.com.