Custom Multi-Configural Stage Trap System Rounds Out Theatre Renovation

What started as an intent to improve acoustics, transformed into a complete theatre overhaul at Bethesda, Md.-based Round House Theatre, one of the leading professional theatres in the Washington, D.C. area. The dramatic makeover -- beginning at the box office and extending to the back corner of the stage -- not only improved the theatre's sound but also resulted in greater staging flexibility.

The theatre company turned to the experts at Staging Concepts, a Minneapolis-based leading provider of portable staging equipment to help with the renovation. After a careful review and assessment, and in coordination with the design consultant, Staging Concepts recommended a custom multi-configurable stage trap and seating system. The design included a combination of Staging Concepts custom curved SC90 platforms, closure panels, SC90 legs, and Relia beams and columns.

"While it can be challenging to build a multi-configurable system over a trap, we considered the space under the trap to allow as much clearance as possible for the theater to work with," says Alex McCallum, eastern regional sales manager for Staging Concepts. "Plus, we provided a variety of equipment to satisfy multiple configurations as laid out by the theatre consultant."

Round House's new thrust stage allows theatre directors and designers more flexibility for both large and small audiences. The layout also eliminates all barriers between the audience and performers, making it a more intimate setting for all and delivering unobstructed views from every seat in the house.

Keeping usability in mind, Staging Concepts catered the system to the design intent and the renovated stage at Round House Theater is sure to help provide a more engaging and entertaining atmosphere for audiences when performances are able to resume.