InterAmerica Stage Installs Creative Orchestra Pit Cover at Manatee Players Performing Arts Center

InterAmerica Stage recently developed a creative orchestra pit cover for the Manatee Players Performing Arts Center-a SkyDeck tension wire grid. The setup is gaining in popularity, as it offers strength, flexibility, and good sightlines between conductors, musicians, and performers.

The SkyDeck system is customizable to any orchestra pit, as it can be paired with pit filler or other removable wood decking finished to match the stage floor. When the pit is in use, the decking can then be removed to expose the acoustically transparent SkyDeck below, the panels of which act as a pit safety net with framing members strong enough to carry a 125PSF load. Unlike traditional orchestra pit nets, the tension wire grid does not stretch and displace when it is stepped on.

IAStage designed the Manatee Player's SkyDeck pit cover in conjunction with project architect, John Toppe. It is similar to all SkyDecks in that it is a modular system with removable panels, but Toppe and the company designed this special application to also include a removable section for the conductor.

See InterAmerica Stage at PLASA Focus: Orlando, May 15-16 and PLASA Focus: Austin September 10-11.