Schools and universities use a stage for many different things in one year: assemblies, concerts, drama, awards nights, guest speakers and convocation. Most do not have a permanent stage in every room they need one, so a portable stage that sets up quickly and stores in a small space is often the practical choice. Here is how Canadian schools can choose one.
Start with the events you run
- Assemblies and guest speakers: a podium stage of 8 ft x 8 ft (2.44 m x 2.44 m) is often enough.
- Music and drama: ensembles and casts need depth as well as width. 8 ft x 16 ft (2.44 m x 4.88 m) to 12 ft x 20 ft (3.66 m x 6.10 m) is a common range.
- Convocation and graduation: graduates walk across the stage, so plan a long, shallow stage such as 8 ft x 24 ft (2.44 m x 7.32 m) with access at both ends.
Because every MyStage stage is built from the same 4 ft x 4 ft (1.22 m x 1.22 m) decks, one set of decks can be rearranged for each of these events. The Stage Builder works out the decks for any footprint.
Choose the height for the room
Standard MyStage legs adjust from 4 to 28 in (10 cm to 71 cm). Lower stages suit classrooms and libraries; higher stages help an audience in a gym or auditorium see the whole stage. For a very low platform, Shorties give 8 and 10 in (20 cm and 25 cm) settings.
Plan safe access and open edges
- Stairs: MyStage stairs have three steps with grip tape and a railing, for stages up to 28 in (71 cm). For convocation, plan stairs at each end so graduates can cross in one direction.
- Railings: aluminum railings cover open edges in 4 ft (1.22 m) sections. Plan railings for any edge that is not used for access, especially at the back of a raised stage.
- Skirting: black or white skirting, 16 ft x 28 in (4.88 m x 71 cm) per deck, hides the legs and cables and gives a finished look for photos.
Follow your school board's own policies for stage use and supervision.
Think about storage and setup
A school stage spends most of the year in storage. Folded MyStage decks are 2 ft x 4 ft (0.61 m x 1.22 m) and stack, so a full stage fits in a storage room. Each deck sets up in under a minute with no tools, and castors with brakes let staff roll decks between rooms.
Ordering for a Canadian school
MyStage prices are in US dollars (USD), and your card issuer converts the charge to Canadian dollars. We ship to Canadian addresses outside Quebec. We do not ship to Quebec. Freight to Canada is quoted per order, so contact us with the products you want and your postal code for an international shipping estimate, and ask about import duties, GST/HST and brokerage at the same time.
For purchasing departments, ask for a written estimate that lists the decks, accessories and freight so it can go through your approval process.
One set of decks, many rooms
A common approach is to buy enough decks for the largest event of the year, such as convocation, and use smaller groups of the same decks the rest of the time: a 4 ft x 8 ft (1.22 m x 2.44 m) platform in the library, an 8 ft x 8 ft (2.44 m x 2.44 m) stage for assemblies, and the full stage for graduation. Every deck is interchangeable, so nothing sits unused.
Frequently asked questions
How long does setup take?
Each deck unfolds and sets up in under a minute with no tools, so a stage takes about as many minutes as it has decks for a small team, plus time for railings, skirting and stairs.
Can we add decks later?
Yes. Every MyStage deck is the same 4 ft x 4 ft size and connects to the others, so you can start small and add decks, railings or skirting as your needs grow.
Can students set up the stage?
Each deck is light enough for one person to carry and sets up with no tools. Follow your school's own supervision policies for setup.
Are prices in Canadian dollars?
No. Prices are in US dollars, and your card issuer converts the charge.
Do you ship to Quebec?
No. We ship to Canadian addresses outside Quebec.
Questions: info@mystagecorp.com or 858-229-8388. For the full buying process, read How to Buy a Portable Stage in Canada.