Chicago-based Grand Stage Company and Cleveland’s Vincent Lighting System have agreed to meet in the middle, geographically speaking. The two companies have formed a new partnership, Grand Vincent Company of Michigan. Located at the former Grand Stage store in Detroit, and featuring the Grand Stage staff, the new company offers an expanded product line and access to all technical and production resources available through Vincent Lighting. Grand Stage Company, a family-owned business founded in 1947, specializes in lighting equipment, dimming, and rigging; it also offers its own line of drapery. The company has offices in Chicago and St. Louis. Vincent Lighting Systems, founded in 1978, has offices in Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh, and handles lighting sales, rentals, and production services for theatrical, television, and architectural lighting; clients include corporations, performing arts organizations, and educational and/or religious organizations. It offers selections from more than 60 manufacturers.
As part of the new venture, Kevin Kuptz has been appointed project salesperson for this territory. Previously, he was, for seven years, national sales manager for Solid State Logic in Oxford, England. Kuptz, a Detroit native, holds degrees from Wayne State in Detroit and Oakland University in Rochester, MI. He has a diverse background in music, audio, and lighting, and is available to consult on all aspects of lighting, including project planning, specifications, and sales. In addition, Adam Barnowski, rental manager at Grand Stage, will be developing a new production-oriented plan for the company. Also joining the company is Scott Vance, for inside sales. Vance has worked in carpentry and electrics at Meadowbrook Theatre, in Rochester Hills.
Contact information for Grand Vincent is: 2743 Coolidge Highway, Detroit, MI. Phone: 248-546-4740 or 1-800-MIGRAND