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Portable Stages & Risers Tips
Setting Up a Portable Dance Stage
Important factors to consider when setting up a portable dance stage include the size of the stage, the surface of the stage and the load capacity of the stage. The size is essential because it should be large enough to accommodate all of the dancers throughout the performance. This is especially important if there is a large number of performers or if they will be performing movements requiring a large footprint.
The surface of the portable dance stage is also key. Stages may be hardboard, polypropylene or carpeted. The ideal surface is one which will prevent the performers from slipping without detracting from the performance. The load capacity must also be considered in respect to the number and the size of the performers. The portable dance stage should have a load capacity which is adequate for the amount of weight the stage must support during the performance, and should also account for whether the load is static or dynamic.
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Portable Stages
Portable stages are primarily used in short-term venues for events such as concerts, assemblies, ceremonies and other performance events and generally cost less than mobile stages. When deciding on a portable stage, it is important to keep in mind the type of event the stage will be used for. When choosing portable stages, remember that they often differ in deck surface, deck size and height. Portable stages fold and unfold easily, ensuring smooth and efficient set up and removal before and after each event. Identifying the size of the stage you need is one of the most important decisions. A stage that is significantly larger or smaller than its surrounding area tends to look out of place.
Portable stages can be improved by stairs, guardrails, and stage caddies, all of which increase the stage’s safety and efficiency when packing and unpacking. Stage skirting (material that surrounds the perimeter of the stage) enhances the look of the stage and hides any unsightly cords or equipment. This is used most often in formal venues.
When choosing a stage, pay close attention to the height of the room’s ceiling. Having ample room between your performers and the ceiling is very important. Choose from many stage heights depending on the age and size of your performers.
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Shopping for Portable Stage Platforms
Shopping for portable stage platforms can be an overwhelming process because of the number of options available. However, consumers who have a grasp of their basic needs may find the process to be quite simple. When shopping for portable stage platforms it is important to consider deck surface, size and height.
Common deck surfaces include hardboard, polypropylene and carpets. Hardboard is an economical surface but polypropylene helps to create a non-slip surface. Portable stage platforms are more expensive but they also are typically more attractive and provide greater sound absorption than other surfaces. The size should also be carefully considered because the deck surface must accommodate the current needs and should also account for future uses for the stage. Finally the height of the portable stage platform must be taken into account. Stage platforms used by children tend to be higher than ones intended for use by adults because a higher stage helps to make smaller performers more visible to the audience.
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Portable Risers
Risers add depth and drama to stage performances. Similar to a large flight of stairs, risers are tiered platforms that sit on the stage and make it possible for each performer to be viewed by the audience without obstruction. Portable stage risers vary according to type, deck surface, deck size, height, portability, and accessories.
Steps can be added to risers that are more than 8’ high to ensure the safety of the performers. Portable risers are able to fold up and are quite easy to store and transport. Like stages, portable risers tend to be slightly less expensive than their mobile counterparts. Choosing between seated, standing, and mobile choral risers can be confusing. The main questions to ask are: who is going to be performing, will they be sitting or standing, and will the risers need to be easily transported to another location? Keep in mind that the size of the room matters most. The higher the ceiling, the larger the risers should be so that they are not dwarfed by the size of the room.
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Selecting a Portable Concert Stage for Children
Height is key when selecting a portable concert stage for children. Height is an important consideration because children are smaller in stature than adults and will therefore require a higher concert stage to ensure visibility to all audience members. However, care should be taken to avoid selecting a stage which is high enough to prevent a hazard to the children. Common heights for portable stages are 8”, 16”, 24” and 32” although stages may be available in other heights.
The deck surface should also be considered when selecting a concert stage for children. Polypropylene may be ideal because it provides a non-slip surface which does not muffle sound. However, this will likely be more expensive than stages with a hardboard surface so the budget must also be well thought out.
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Lecterns
Podiums and lecterns offer a raised or tilted surface to hold presentation or performance materials. Portable lecterns can either be placed on a desktop, table or on the floor, depending on size.
For large presentations, floor lecterns, which stand alone, work best. In classroom situations, tabletop lecterns are often preferred, as they allow an instructor to access their presentation materials while conveniently utilizing their desk space. Table lecterns are generally more affordable than floor lecterns, although many prefer the slightly more impressive stand-alone models for large presentation or corporate events. Floor lecterns come in two types: adjustable-height and fixed-height. Some lecterns include built in sound speakers. This is generally a pricier option but works well for large presentations and speaking arrangements. Audio lecterns usually include up to four built-in speakers and generally include an amplifier, power source, and microphone.
Presentation lecterns come in a variety of materials ranging from tubular steel and plywood to wood and laminated fiberboard. Accessories can be purchased for your lectern including reading lights, rechargeable batteries, and extension speakers. When purchasing a lectern, be sure to know which audience your speaker will be addressing as well as the size of the venue.
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Understanding Portable Stage Risers
Portable stage risers are essentially portable platforms that provide multiple tiers. A portable stage riser is often preferred over a standard platform for chorale performances when there is a large number of chorus members who are similar in height. Having members stand on the tiers helps to ensure all are visible to the audience.
The main factor to consider when selecting a portable stage riser is whether a seated riser or a standing riser is required. The main difference between these two types of risers is the depth of the tier levels. Seated risers are typically deeper to accommodate chairs while standing risers are less so. If chairs will be used on the stage, seated risers are probably necessary while standing risers will be adequate for performances which do not require the performers to be seated.
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Options for Podiums and Lecterns
Two primary factors to consider when comparing podiums and lecterns are the type of lectern as well as the inclusion of built in electronic equipment. There are two basic types of podiums and lecterns. These types are the tabletop variety and the floor variety. Tabletop lecterns are smaller and can be placed on a table. The advantages to this type of lecterns are that they allow for greater focus on the speaker and are easier to move and store. Floor lecterns can be adjustable height or fixed height. This type of lectern provides a more professional appearance than tabletop lecterns.
The inclusion of built in electronic elements should also be considered when purchasing a podium or lectern. Lecterns without built in electronics will be less expensive and are adequate for small rooms or rooms with a public address system. Larger venues or venues without a public address system should include a lectern with built in electronics. Some of the electronic elements to consider are speakers, amplifiers and microphones.
