A+ Projects from this Past School Year for Upgrade Inspiration
A+ Projects from this Past School Year for Upgrade Inspiration
Gymnasium Transformed into Theatre in Hours
In October, StageRight traveled north to St. Mary Cathedral School in Gaylord, Michigan, to embark on an exciting project. This small school, home to just over 300 students from preschool through twelfth grade, thrives on multifunctional spaces. The auxiliary gymnasium, a hub for shooting hoops, enjoying lunch, and performing theatre productions and band concerts, was about to undergo a remarkable transformation.
StageRight installed ten rows of ZHD/ML Flexible Risers with audience seating in mind, turning the small gymnasium into a full-sized theatre in just a few hours. Starting from the back and working forward, the team set up the riser supports and deployed them before laying down each deck. The system included guardrails on the sides and back, handrails for the aisles, and a seating capacity of 230, the system was ready to go.
Now, family and friends can enjoy an unobstructed view of their kids performing on stage. Gone are the days of obstructed views and entire rows standing for one person to exit. The new setup allows performances to proceed smoothly, with more friendly faces in the audience.
In the fall of 2023, St. Mary put on the production of “Descendants,” and in the spring, their band concert took the stage. The flexible risers have revolutionized the space, making every event a memorable experience for both performers and spectators.
Built to Grow with Your Program
Garland ISD’s Austin Academy for Excellence in Austin, Texas, found that they needed additional risers to complement the ones they had purchased back in 2009. Over a decade ago, they installed seated choral risers in their classroom, which have since become a cornerstone of their music program. Fast forward to 2024, and the academy decided it was time to expand its setup with new risers to accommodate the growth and evolution of its program.
The new risers fit seamlessly with the original set, almost as if they were designed together. This remarkable compatibility highlights the diligent care and maintenance by Austin Academy and the exceptional quality of the risers. For 15 years, these risers have stood the test of time, continuing to provide a reliable and sturdy platform for the students.
This upgrade not only enhances their performances but also symbolizes the academy’s commitment to growing alongside their program. By investing in top-notch equipment, Austin Academy ensures that every note sung is supported by a solid foundation, reflecting their dedication to excellence and the continuous development of their students’ musical talents.
One Stage Thousands Will Remember
Graduation is a nerve-racking experience for everyone involved. Speakers meticulously practice their speeches, students nervously try not to think about tripping, and announcers diligently write out phonetic spellings to pronounce each student’s name correctly. Despite the jitters, Gladwin High School had little to worry about. They knew every single student would make it across that platform with confidence and grace when they had a sturdy stage that felt as solid as concrete.
This sense of assurance didn’t happen overnight. It all started last year when Gladwin High School made a significant investment in their graduation ceremony by purchasing a state-of-the-art stage. The new stage was designed to be both robust and inclusive, ensuring that all students could participate fully in their special moment. Ramps and wide walkways allow every student, regardless of physical ability, to cross confidently and receive their diploma, making the ceremony a celebration of achievement for everyone.
Custom Stage for a One-of-a-Kind Historical Room
It is one of the most beautiful rooms that StageRight has designed equipment for. Historical art depicting great leaders, stunning landscapes, and Greek and Roman men and women line the walls and ceiling of this room. The drawing room being the focus of this project, Clark’s Memorial Library had a few requests: a sturdy, quiet stage that could conceal a project.
“The stage is equipped with user-friendly stairs, ensuring easy access for musicians or lecturers. These stairs lead to a decking area utilizing a honeycomb core, effectively eliminating any unnecessary noise during performances. Integrated into the stage design, a projector seamlessly slides up for display. It is used during events and easily tucks away underneath, providing a smooth surface for performances or events. Concealed beneath the stage and out of sight, a cable management system has been implemented to keep cords organized and safely stored.”
If you would like to read more about the Drawing Room and the newly installed stage, click here to read more (link).
These are just a few exciting projects we completed in the past school year. Nothing thrills us more than seeing the results of our collaborations with our incredible customers and partners. While the 2023-2024 school year has come to an end, we eagerly look forward to the innovative projects and inspiring transformations awaiting us in the 2024-2025 school year. Here’s to another year of making dreams a reality and creating spaces where students and educators can shine!
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