Choosing a stage is a major safety decision that dictates your entire event setup. You have to consider how much weight the roof must support and if the back row has a clear view. There are several types of stages to pick from, depending on your needs and goals.
You might need a classic proscenium or "picture frame" for a play or a thrust stage to get closer to the crowd. For outdoor shows, mobile trailer options like the SL100, SL260, or the massive SL320 are the standard. If you are indoors, modular aluminum decks like the AS2100 are usually the best fit. For most local events, building a stage takes roughly 1 to 3 days.
The stage is the literal foundation of your show. These are the main styles you will see on professional job sites.
This is what most people imagine when they think of a theater. The performers stay behind a big arch, and the crowd stays in front. It is perfect for shows where you need to hide cables, stagehands and extra gear behind a curtain so the audience only sees the "magic."
This style pushes the performance area out into the crowd. With people sitting on three sides, the whole event feels a lot more personal. It is a top choice for fashion shows or keynote speakers, but it does make lighting a bit tricky since you have to light the person from multiple angles to avoid shadows.
A unit like the SL100 is basically a heavy-duty trailer that unfolds into a stage in just a few hours. It is surprisingly strong and can hold over 11,000 pounds of equipment. Since the roof and the beams for the speakers are built-in, it is a favorite for community festivals with up to 5,000 people.
When you need a bit more room, a model like the SL260 is the go-to "workhorse." It is built to be extremely reliable, even if the Oklahoma weather turns sour. It handles crowds between 2,000 and 5,000 people easily and gives the tech crew enough space to move around comfortably.
For big events expecting 10,000 people, you need a heavy-hitter like the SL320. This 40-foot-wide platform is famous for setting up and tearing down faster than almost anything else in its class. It also has specific mounting points for those massive LED video screens you see at outdoor concerts.
If you are indoors or have a weirdly shaped room, you use snap-together decks like the AS2100. These are 4-foot by 4-foot panels that bolt together. Because the legs are adjustable, you can build a level stage on a grassy hill or a lumpy parking lot without any wobbling.
A stage is not finished until it is safe to walk on. You need guard rails that snap into the side channels to prevent falls. You also need solid stairs with handrails and specialized ramps to help roll in heavy gear or to ensure the stage is accessible to people in wheelchairs.
Selecting between various types of stages is all about finding the right mix of size and speed. Whether you choose a traditional proscenium setup or a walk-out thrust stage, the platform acts as the anchor for your production. Outdoor events usually rely on the hydraulic power of the SL100, SL260, or SL320 mobile units, while indoor or custom layouts are best served by AS2100 aluminum decks.
Don't forget the importance of guard rails, stairs, and ramps to keep everyone safe. For most planners, the timeframe for booking a stage is about 2 to 4 weeks. We can help you pick the right layout and handle the heavy lifting. For the right stage installations in Oklahoma, reach out to Titan AVL to get started.
What exactly is a mobile stage?
It is a professional stage built onto a trailer. You tow it into position, and it unfolds using a hydraulic system. It is much safer for outdoor use because it is rated to handle high winds.
How high should my stage be?
For a small room, 24 inches is usually plenty. For a big outdoor crowd, you want the floor at 4 or 5 feet so the back row can see over everyone else's heads.
Which stages can handle rain?
Mobile stages have built-in roofs to keep gear dry, and aluminum decks have non-slip surfaces so performers don't slide around if it gets misty.
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