Karaoke Forums

I saw someone mention having a portable stage in another thread and I'm curious as all get out. I'd really appreciate having a chance to see a picture if you've made one and maybe some information on how you made yours, the experiences you've had with them, etc.

A portable "stage" would require a bit more transport vehicle than I want.

I am building a set of stage rigging.. for lights etc.

I expect to make the whole assembly "Telescope" to save space.

The stuff I see around is a bit pricey and too large for my getup.

If you want to build a stage for outdoor use, get ahold of a 16 or 18 foot trailer. you can weild a post on each corner and put a metal roof over it. All four sides will still be open. Weld a rail around the posts at aproximately 3 feet from the floor of the trailer, install electrical plugs, wiring, and breaker box where you think you need it. You can even rig your trusses for hanging stage lights and if you are ingenius enough weld a couple of sucker rods at the height you want them to hang your house speakers on so they will be mounted to the stage as well. at one end weld some steps to be able to get onto the stage. This type of stage can be pulled to location and if you have electricity to hook up to, you are in business. I do not own a stage like this, but our city has one that I have used to perform on during 4th of July celebrations etc. It is big enough the whole band was able to set up on the trailer. I even hung some fans up on the ceiling to blow down on me to keep me cool during one very hot July outdoor show. It is just a suggestion. I saw the thread and thought it was a good one to share an idea. --Mike

I do have a 20 ft trailer, and I have held karaoke shows on it, and I do have a welder..

Hmmm

I'm thinking of this idea.. a modular stage.

My day job has an elevated floor which is made up of 2x2 panels resting on fixed stilts. It allows all the networking cables etc to be underneath the floor and easily changed. It gave me the inspiration for my idea of replacing the stilts with 4-sided pyramids (like mini traffic cones) which could be placed on the floor with the 2x2 panels locking into them. Inverted 'L' profile side panels would lock into on side of the pyramid to square up the sides of the stage.

There would be some kind of 1"x2" or 1"x3" reinforcing frame under each 2x2 floor square to provide a little more rigidity. The pyramids / cones would be stackable, perhaps 9" high (for a 1 ft high stage) probably similar to car axle supports. If this all works a 2ft x 6 ft or maybe 2ft x 8ft stage would fit in the front seat of a car!

When I have a spare weekend I'll try and build a prototype!

Jonn

I got some back in the 80's.
For me, a mistake.
4 of them, each 4 foot by 8 foot.
The frame was made out of 1" square, hollow mild steel.
They folded like a W with an M on top..
A cross piece fitted across the middle.
2 x 4 foot square 1" plywood boards went on each one.
18" high. No electrics.

While they were manageable, It was awkward to move from the van to location.

I only set them up once before selling them on.

Good luck...

http://www.wholesalefoldingtablesandcha ... ype=stages

No mention of price!

hey BigJer, just how big a stage are we talkin' about?

I have a stage I use at one of my shows I built by framing a 4x8 sheet of plywood,painted it black, then put some wheels on one end of it to make it easy to roll around. I even outlined it with a rope light. Then I elevate it with 6 milk crates. Not the fanciest thing in the world but it serves its purpose. Total cost about $50. The bar lets me keep it out back under a tarp.

Mojo

Hey Mojo,

That close to what I actually had in mind! Got a picture?

Thanks for that link! Very nice stuff, but the best thing is it led me to some other google searches and I stumbled onto an even better idea...

Portable curtains! Found this link for a magician who lays out how to do a "do it yourself setup"... Maybe something along this line would work better and be safer...

http://www.stevensmagic.com/gemini/Stan ... yPart1.htm

Hey BigJer,

I'll try to get a pic for you at next weeks show.

Mojo

you can frame a sheet of plywood (1/2 , 5/8 , 3/4?) with 2x 4s you need to frame it like a wall 16" centers ect. you can use 2x6 or 2x8, 2x10 ect around the outsides, or just on the ends to give it a bit more height. I used to have venue where i was going to build two of them to make an 8x8 stage. the place changed hands and im no longer able to work weeknights so i never did it, but i expected to spend about $100

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the voices arent real, but they have some good ideas