Parish Episcopal School ‘Uplifts’ the Live Performance Experience with Adjustable Stage Platforms in New Theater Center

For years, Dallas’ Parish Episcopal School adapted spaces or rented off-campus facilities for choral presentations, dance recitals, jazz band concerts, dramatic performances, and other live events showcasing student talent. As the college preparatory school celebrates its 50^th anniversary this year, it’s also commemorating the opening of the new 55,000-square-foot Noble Family Performing Arts Center on its Midway campus.

Flexibility was key in the design of the new theater. To create a multipurpose extension that seamlessly aligned with the theater’s existing stage, the school turned to Staging Concepts, a Trex Company, and its more than 30 years of experience as an industry leader in designing and manufacturing staging equipment.

After a careful review and assessment, Staging Concepts recommended adding 36 Uplift® stages to serve as modular seating risers, a pit filler and a stage extension. These customizable, scissor-lift platforms allow the facility – which also hosts community and cultural events, guest speakers, award ceremonies and Christmas pageants – numerous options for configuring the theater space.

“No matter the event, the varying heights made possible by our Uplift platforms will ensure a rich experience for both performers and audience members,” said Cindy Albrecht, director of sales and marketing for Staging Concepts, a division of Trex Commercial Products. “Now equipped to accommodate countless staging formats, students and community members will be able to explore their creativity and share their talents across a number of different events.”

The Noble Family Performing Arts Center project represents Staging Concepts’ largest Uplift application to date. The platforms feature aluminum frames for maximum strength and long-term durability, are finished with a black HDPE finish, and can easily be reconfigured to fit any custom setting. Six IBC Guardrails placed at each end of the Uplift extension offer enhanced safety and character. Additional handrails are also available and can easily be added when the stage extension is converted into a tiered seating riser.

In less than two hours, the entire space can be transformed from a performance auditorium into a ballroom by raising the drill-operated Uplift platforms to create a flat floor extending from the stage to the front of the seating area. For this layout, the guardrails and handrails are removed to create an open setting for guests to mingle throughout the dance area.

In addition to the 515-seat performance hall, the Noble Family Performing Arts Center includes a Black Box theater that can seat up to 120 people, rehearsal rooms, a film screening room, a music hall and two dedicated dance studios. The center also includes a gallery space featuring works by students as well as visiting artists.