Empowering Community Theatre with SkyDeck™ Innovation

A safer, more efficient tension wire grid solution for flexible performance spaces

The Meridian Art Center (previously known as the Toronto Center for the Arts) has been a community staple since 1993. Priding itself on diversity as in depth as Toronto itself, the TCA hosts four theaters. The facilities allow for a wide range of productions in differing performance spaces, supported by innovative theater rigging solutions that help bring each production to life.

The Greenwin Theatre is unusual in the terms that it was built within a preexisting stage tower. The old proscenium was walled off creating a division for two theatre spaces. The new space (stage tower area) incorporates aspects of its predecessor in its design, such as the showcase of the Main Stage Theatre’s former fly ropes as an architectural feature. In addition, the fly loft channel grid for the rigging system has been left intact. Thus, rigging points can be dropped from the walking grid adding additional functionality to this space. The Greenwin Theatre has been designed to showcase community and non-for-profit groups in their present work. It is ideal for mid-sized productions with 299 seats. The space uses a large, professional stage in a black box theater setting, perfect for man theatrical productions, as well as for dance, music or comedy shows.

Since 2015, IA Stage’s SkyDeck™ tension wire grid has helped the Greenwin Theatre at the Toronto Centre for the Arts maximize the flexibility of its unique black box performance space. Installed to span the entire stage and extend partially over the front of house, SkyDeck™ provides safe, convenient access for lighting adjustments, rigging, and stage changeovers—all while allowing crews to work simultaneously above and below the grid. By reducing production downtime and improving workflow, SkyDeck™ enables the venue to accommodate a diverse range of performances with greater efficiency. Most importantly, its safe, accessible design empowers community and non-profit organizations to produce high-quality theatrical, dance, music, and comedy events, reinforcing the Toronto Centre for the Arts’ commitment to supporting local artists through innovative theatre rigging solutions and tension wire grid technology.

To learn more about the Meridian Arts Centre and their upcoming shows, please visit their website here.

Location: Greenwin Theatre | Completed Date: February, 2015 | Project Type: New Construction | Application: Front of House | Architect: Diamond Schmitt Architects | Consultant: Theatre Consultants Collaborative | Construction Manager: Gilliam Group, Inc.