The next stage

Shakespeare said that all the world’s a stage, but he was clearly lying. If that were true, none of these products would be in any way necessary, and your customers could deliver wedding speeches, play rocking electric guitars, and give outdoor dance recitals while standing on the dirty, plebian ground.

Carrying different kinds of portable stages means you can literally help your customers rise above it all. Democratic ideals aside, there are times we want to elevate others. That way we can see them, and those wonderful performances won’t go to waste. After all, why should the bride’s father bother to ramble on about how much this is costing him if you can’t even hear him?

All kidding aside, portable stages can make a good addition to a rental contract. While some are extremely large, suitable for open-air rock festivals and other big events, others are endearingly small, and are suitable for almost any event. When a prospective bride and groom come calling to rent linens, decorations, and plates, it’s the perfect opportunity to rent a stage as well. And when your next customer comes calling to plan the company’s executive retreat, you can take a moment to point out that the boss will need a place to stand and deliver.

Wenger-Versalite
According to Wenger, Versalite was built on the assumption that you have more needs than budget. The company says that with a single set of Versalite decks and interchangeable legs of different lengths, you can create just about any staging setup needed in no time. The concept is simple. Instead of attached legs, Versalite decks have leg sockets that hold interchangeable legs that you insert. By using legs of different lengths, a crew of two can turn Versalite into multilevel stages, runways, speaker platforms, seated risers, graduation stages, and just about any other configuration, even wheelchair ramps.

The hallmark of the Versalite system is versatility.
According to Wenger, the Versalite system sets up in minutes with a two-person crew.

Literally hundreds of different configurations can be created. Versalite decks come in eight standard sizes:
• 3 x 3 ft. (91 x 91 cm) 37 lbs. (16.8 kg)
• 3 x 6 ft. (91 x 183 cm) 65 lbs. (29 kg)
• 3 x 8 ft. (91 x 244 cm) 87 lbs. (39 kg)
• 3 ft. (91 cm) 1/4 round 40 lbs. (18 kg)
• 4 x 4 ft. (122 x 122 cm) 59 lbs. (27 kg)
• 4 x 6 ft. (122 x 183 cm) 85 lbs. (38.5 kg)
• 4 x 8 ft. (122 x 244 cm) 107 lbs. (48.5 kg)
• 4 ft. (122 cm) 1/4 round 53 lbs. (24 kg)

Versalite flooring features a variety of surface options. According to Wenger, the deck surface is tough and long-wearing, and the Standard and Heavy Duty Surface options provide excellent traction, even when wet.

Versalite not only offers your clients numerous staging options, it can also be configured into rectangular riser setups for audience seating, which can be enhanced with side and front closure panels for a finished look. For more information on Versalite, please visit www.wengercorp.com.

OutFront Portable Solutions

Sometimes a large stage area that can withstand the rigours of outdoor events is what is needed. For those situations, one option is OutFront Portable Solutions trailer stages. OutFront Portable Solutions is a division of All Cover Portable Systems.

All OutFront Portable Solutions trailer stages are designed according to customer specifications. The stages can be built from new or existing trailers or shipping containers. One advantage is that almost any site can be given an attractive, enclosed acoustic area that offers visual, sound and  lighting control, along with weather protection and security.

The stages can be transported just about anywhere. According to the company, the set-up time is about one hour for two people. The typical stage is about 16 by 36 feet, and includes private change rooms on each wing. Also included is an 8 by 8 foot observation deck. Basic lighting is provided, and lighting towers are also available. The stage comes sound system ready with 100-amp service. For more information, please visit www.mobilestage.ca.

SICO – 1800 Single/Dual Height Stage

The 1800 from SICO can be handled and set up by just one person.

SICO offers numerous staging options, including the SICO 1800 series stage system mobile folding stage. The dual-height model features built-in height adjustability. The single-height 1800 model is available in 8” increments from 8” to 32”. The dual-height 1800 model has a variety of height combinations with 16”/24”, 24”/32”, and 32”/40” choices. Dual-height models are available in 4’x8’ and 6’x8’ deck sizes. 3’x8’ decks are single height only. Each section of the SICO 1800 Mobile Folding Stage rolls freely on its own four built-in wheels to wherever your customers need it.

Each section of the 1800 Mobile Folding Stage is designed to be handled by one person. Since each stage unit is self-contained, there is no need for bulky deck or frame storage trucks. According to the company, this unique feature not only saves time and money, but also valuable storage space.

The larger 6’x8’ stage units yield more square footage than traditional 4’x8’ sized decks. According to the company, fewer pieces to move and store makes this an attractive option for rental customers. All 1800 series mobile folding stages come with a three-year warranty and a lifetime warranty on welds. For more information, please visit www.sicoinc.com.