Use this guide to help you choose the best choral risers for your auditorium.
Choral Riser Buying Guide
If you have never ordered choral risers before, please read below to help you choose the best option for your needs.
- Types
- Platform Surface
- Platform Size
- Height
- Mobile
- Portable
- Accessories
TYPES
Seated Risers - these can sometimes be similar to stages when ordered as one level. Other times, seated risers are made with tiered levels. If you will be using your risers for band concerts or other performances where the performers will be seated, then this is your best option.
Standing Risers - these risers have tiered levels but are not as deep as a seated riser; giving just enough room for students to stand during performances.
PLATFORM SURFACE
Hardboard - depending on your preferences, a hardboard surface may or may not be best for you. Most platform cores are made of solid plywood and have a hardboard laminate coating.
Carpeted - this option is a little more expensive than hardboard but also has its benefits. Carpeted platforms also have a solid plywood core but are covered in a commercial-grade carpet available in many colors. Carpeted platforms don't just give your stage an attractive appearance but also provide better sound absorption than hardboard platforms.
PLATFORM SIZE
Room Availability - the size of your choral riser will depend on the available room you have. The larger the room, the higher you will want the risers to be so everyone in the room has a clear view of the performers/performance.
Ceiling Height - choose a lower height riser if your ceilings are low to be sure your performers have enough headroom.
Performers/Students - another point to consider is the age or height of your performers. Risers for an adult choir would be a different height than risers for a children's choir. The younger the performers, the higher you will want the risers to be sure that all performers are seen by the audience.
MOBILE RISERS
Mobile risers can be easily folded and rolled to storage with their built-in wheels. Although this is more expensive than stationary risers, if your risers will be set-up and taken down often, you may want to consider spending the extra money for conveniency.
PORTABLE RISERS
Portable risers can also be easily folded and rolled away, however, these units do not come with wheels. In order to transport these risers, you will also need to purchase a caddy that the riser can be placed on and then transported. These units are less expensive than mobile risers but the purchase of a caddy will also be necessary.
ACCESSORIES
None of these accessories are required for risers but can definitely improve the appearance and quality of them.
Stairs - most stairs have included handrails for safety. If purchasing choral risers any higher than 8" high, you may want to also consider purchasing stairs to prevent any accidents. For any performances or events where people will be entering and exiting the riser, you will want to place a set of stairs at each end of the riser.
Guardrails - to prevent any accidents, especially with younger children, the purchase of guardrails is a good idea. Make sure to purchase guardrails for each level of the riser as well as the back.
Caddies - these caddies are specifically designed to store and transport risers. A caddy won't be necessary if you purchase a mobile riser.
