SGA Production Staging Transforms Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center

SGA’s Risers Over Theater Seats (RTS) capability was recently used as a complete turnkey package, enabling the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center to transform the 1,042-seat Louise Lykes Ferguson Hall into a dinner theatre for 400 at their 20th Anniversary Gala Celebration on October 6, 2007.

For TBPAC’s Ferguson Hall, SGA completed a site survey to determine exact measurements and locations for the specialized platforms to be installed. In-house CAD was completed that showed exact plan views and gear to be used onsite.

SGA worked closely with the TBPAC’s chief operating officer Lorrin Shepard, special events manager Sharon McDonald, and production manager Michael Chamoun to determine an arrangement that would not only showcase the existing theater’s beauty, but meld with it to enhance their event.

The RTS System design featured three rectangular tiered platforms beginning at stage level that extended to the back of the theatre, as well as a custom curved section to match the existing curved area under the balcony.

GA’s System contained 4,640 square feet of standard stage decks and 25 custom decks atop supporting understructures. The theatre transformation was accomplished without the removal of existing seating,