Contractors are currently in the process of making the stage at the Cedartown Performing Arts Center more capable as new lighting and rigging is installed to ensure future operations of the system.
The contractor is Custom Stage Services Inc. at a cost of $319,612.00.
The upgrades being installed will provide new structural integrity to the rigging system for many years to come. The counterweight system remained a manual system to eliminate specialized maintenance costs. This replacement system brings added capacity to the stage with more lines being available for use during any and all productions – whether it be for youth or a visiting musician.
The City’s Department of Economic Development & Tourism head Oscar Guzman – who also runs the CPAC – said the project is just one of the latest steps toward providing expanded opportunities for all kinds of live action shows to take place that couldn’t before, and the updated system will be less demanding on time and resources.
“The rigging system is really what brings life to our stage. Without it we don’t have a way to raise, lower, or adjust any lighting, curtains, or set pieces,” he said. “What our patrons will see is the increased load capacity and the increase in options to hang more curtains, set pieces, and lights. What I hope our patrons never see is the new fire curtain system that is designed to give the audience more time to safely escape a fire should one ever occur on stage.”
The project is expected to be completed in the coming weeks long before the holiday season.
“This program is supported in part by Georgia Council for the Arts through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly,” Guzman added. “Georgia Council for the Arts also receives support from its partner agency – the National Endowment for the Arts.”
