Portable Stages | Stage Platforms | Multi-Level Stages | Platform Risers
- Platforms can be configured flat, or with levels, any configuration you like, any height, any direction, and size!
- Standard decks are 4’x8′ or 3’x8’, we make variable sizes, layered in any height increments you desire, standard 7” or 12”
- Platforms can be set up fast using the 3×8 fastfold frames, 4×8 fast fold frames, or single legs, both are great. One saves time, one saves cost.
- Freedom to build in any direction, any height and over any terrain. Simple to use.
Portable Stage Ramp (Mini)
3' x 8' FastFold Frames
Stage Stairs
Stage Clamp
Stage Skirting 12′ Wide
Stage Platform
Stage Locator Plate
Stage Stair(s)
4' x 8' FastFold Frames
Stage Deck Legs
Platforms for stages at schools, houses of worship, hotels, event organizers, etc.
Portable stages allow event organizers to customize and adapt a space for a specific purpose.
You’ll often hear different terms that refer to the same thing. For example, “stage riser” is another name for “low-height portable stage.” Whatever the name, these platforms share a common purpose. They raise performers, speakers and others so they are easier for the audience to see and hear.
Who Uses Portable Stages?
Portable stages make all kinds of events and performances more viewable. There’s a strong demand for elevated portable stages at many different venues. Temporary staging needs arise in many places, including arenas, stadiums and conference centers.
An adjustable height stage is the ideal solution for many different applications. For example, the entertainment industry needs platforms and risers of all shapes and sizes. Portable stages are used at concerts, music festivals, recitals and other performances.
With the right platforms for stages, event organizers deliver the kind of elevated staging that clients need. They love them when planning for live music and special sporting events. Good sight lines are a must at conventions, annual meetings and other corporate gatherings. Speeches, awards ceremonies and multimedia presentations are all more effective from portable riser platforms.
Versatile portable stages optimize the use of publicly funded spaces. Municipal buildings, arenas and convention centers are all good examples. The home arena for an NBA basketball team only hosts 41 home games per year. It is important to book special events on many of the available days. Portable stage platforms help facilities managers make use of otherwise wasted resources.
Portable stages are also perfect for schools and places of worship. Use stage risers at a holiday choral events, for example. Mobile DJ’s gain visibility when they perform from a portable stage platform. This is true at weddings, proms, clubs and more. The fashion industry uses them to create portable catwalks and runways. Raised platforms deliver unobstructed sight lines important in fashion shows.
Types of Stages
You might want to alter an existing stage using a portable stage platform or a portable riser platform. The type of stage may determine the kind of add-on staging that will be best for a particular event.
There are four common types of stages: Proscenium, Thrust, End and Arena. Talk about a stage, and it is the Proscenium Stage you might think of first. The audience sits in front of the “window” created by the proscenium. The proscenium frames the action. A Thrust Stage juts out into the audience. As a result, there are seats on three sides of it. Although it is narrow and elongated, a fashion runway is a classic example of a thrust stage. An End Stage is essentially a Thrust Stage, but with the audience only in front of it. An example of an End Stage is often found in music halls. By contrast, the audience surrounds an Arena Stage on all sides. A theater-in-the-round is an example of this kind of stage.
When there is a need for a conversion at a sports arena, concert promoters often add a portable End Stage at the end of the floor. Sometimes, an Arena Stage is the most appropriate solution. A temporary platform goes up right in the middle of the Arena floor. Either way, setup crews often fill the rest of the arena floor with seats for the audience.
Lightweight Modular Systems
Preferred Seating is rewriting the book in portable stage design for temporary applications. We offer lightweight, modular systems that go up quickly and in almost any location. Our innovative staging solutions deliver impressive portability and convenience. These versatile stage systems meet a wide variety of needs.
Our modular systems are so simple to use. They feature platforms and risers with components so lightweight and mobile that a single person can set them up! Better yet, you will have the freedom to assemble the stage in any direction. Choose the height you prefer as well. You’ll even have the flexibility to install a stage riser over any terrain. Although our standard decks are 4×8’ and 3×8’, other sizes are possible. Use our standard seven-inch and 12-inch platforms by themselves or combine them for an adjustable height stage. Save time using the 3×8 and 4×8 fast-fold frames. Or, save money by elevating the platforms on single legs.
Versatile Configuration Options
You’ll find that the configuration options for portable riser platforms are endless. The modular concept allows you to combine components in many different ways. Create custom shapes. Go with multiple platforms at different heights. We supply stage risers in the heights most popular in the United States. Use choral risers and seated risers as needed. Key accessories allow you to outfit your portable stage so it is just the way you want it. Stage ramps, guardrails, stage backdrops, skirting and drapes are some examples.
You’ll find important features integrated into quality metal raised platforms. Slip-resistant finishes are one example. Cable and electrical ports are another. Complete the look of your portable stage with a stage skirt kit. Skirts attach directly to your stage using special hook-and-loop clips. The process is quick and efficient.
Latest Innovative Designs
Things have come a long way since the early days of portable stage platforms. It once took multiple workers to deal with the heavy, unwieldy components. Labor costs soared during set up and take down. Worse yet, a traditional moveable stage platform took up a lot of storage space when it wasn’t in use.
By comparison, our new lightweight systems are ultra-portable. It is possible for a single person to set them up and take them down. Workers fasten platforms and risers together using an innovative internal locking system. Breakdown and storage of this ingenious stage system is simple and hassle-free. It is easy to position the clearly-marked panels for compact storage.
It is not necessary to sacrifice performance with these modern, ultra-light systems. Each platform can handle loads of up to 185 pounds per square foot.
Make transportation even easier with our optional flight storage cases with integrated casters. Use these compact cases to take your stage components wherever they need to go.
We’ve also designed a smaller setup for more modest applications. The Drum Riser Package includes (4) 3×3-ft platforms and six-inch screw-in legs. The system fits in the trunk of your car. Assemble it in minutes!
Flexible Stage Setups
Your moveable stage platform is only limited by your imagination. Our modular, metal raised systems address every conceivable need. You can even create multi-level portable stages. Add steps as needed. You are minutes away from having a portable riser platform perfect for performances and presentations.
Do you want to do any of these things:
- Use risers of different heights
- Integrate more platforms into your setup
- Extend your platform height
No problem! Our modular system of platforms for stages allows for endless customized configurations.
Simple Step-by-Step Assembly
- Unpack the stage risers and platforms.
- Locate the hex key. It is in the phone key holder in the grove next to the platform locking mechanism. Note the arrow on the bottom of the platform.
- Expand the risers until they are ready to use.
- Align the corner of the riser locking post with the platform’s corner holes. Repeat this step as needed.
- Lock the platforms to the risers. Use the hex key to turn the locking screws clockwise.
- Connect the platforms together with the interlocking screws.
- Repeat these steps until your stage system is complete.
The regular interlocking mechanism does not work when combining risers of different heights. To address this need, we’ve come up with an alternate solution. It delivers the same level of security and stability as riser connection hardware.
To combine platforms of different heights side-by-side, use a riser clamp. Insert it between the two risers, and tighten the nodes clockwise. For risers higher than eight inches, use two clamps per corner.
It is also possible to increase the final height of your portable stage platform. Link risers with the Riser Extension Hardware Kit. First, remove the corner mounting posts from the bottom riser. Replace them with the bronze coupling posts. Next, align the coupling posts with the holes on the bottom of the top riser feed. Use the silver stabilizing brackets to secure the setup.
Note: for safety’s sake, never couple more than two risers together.
Contact Us Today
Preferred Seating is America’s affordable staging authority. Learn more about our platforms for stages. Please call us at 317-782-4555 today.