HOME PAGE
•Introduction1
•Felix Stage Ranges2
•Assembly3
•Construction Materials4
•Linking5
•Accessories6
•Stage Packages7
•Price List8
•Felix Design HelpDesk9
•Picture Gallery of Special Rostra10
Welcome to the Homepage of Felix Staging
Felix Staging was designed by John Felix some twenty years ago for use in a large comprehensive school without a permanent stage. The success of this prototype stage for its simplicity, strength and ease of storage, was the inspiration to set up a small unit to manufacture and market Felix Staging. Today, now based in a large factory in Tiverton, Devon, Felix Staging is in use throughout the U.K. and overseas as far away as Singapore. Still using the original basic design structure, the current version has been developed into a high quality, sophisticated product with many variations.
The pages of this web site give details of some of the many ways Felix Staging can be used, including hints on designing and pricing individual requirements. However, to maintain and give that personal contact, the Felix Design Helpdesk9 is always available with advice and help, including free planning and estimates and for special installations, arranging possible on-site visits.
INTRODUCTION
• Module Construction - The Felix Stage module is formed from two parts, the stage top, in the form of an inverted tray, and a supporting Subframe4, created from four identical panels, which slot together forming a square frame. The stage top is then simply fitted over the frame forming a rigid box. The four cross legs panels distribute the load over a wide area enabling the module to be used anywhere without risk of damage - particularly when on ancient stone or soft floor surfaces. The accuracy of the machined timber parts, to less than 0.5mm, ensures exact alignment of all adjacent modules when forming a continuous stage structure.
Strength We are often asked how strong is Felix Staging? At present, there are no specific tests or standards relating directly to portable stage rostra. An original sample module was tested and passed by FIRA back in 1984 for strength and stability, so to update on the current version we decided on a practical demonstration of the enormous strength of the Felix Stage module. Two free standing units had a 2000kg sealed pack of plywood placed on top of them - that's over one ton per module - with the load bearing across just the centre of each stage top! It is hardly surprising that there has never been a breakage since the first module was built and that Felix Design can give an unconditional Guarantee for Felix Staging when used as a portable staging system.
• Standard Stages This is the original Felix stage module used in the majority of stage requirements. It is produced in five unit sizes with the Handwheel5 or Toplok5 linking system, and is supplied with an inlaid fibre bonded carpet for general use or a painted hard deck or vinyl covering for drama or dance studios. The same construction4 materials are also the basis for special stage rostra. The standard individual module sizes have not changed over the years but we have just introduced a new 1000mm x 1000mm module available in all the following ranges.
Standard Stage2
Drama Stage2
Tiledek Stage2
Special Stage Rostra2
•Lightweight StagesA lightweight version of the Felix stage module was introduced with the smaller user in mind - particularly the Primary and Infant School sector where handling by younger children and individual teachers is more likely. The construction is identical to the standard range but uses smaller components to reduce the overall weight. The individual modules are linked together using handwheels. A special locking mechanism has been incorporated to allow each assembled module to be lifted and positioned in place as a complete box.
The lightweight stages are: -
Primestage2 Rainbow
Rainbow2
Choir Riser2Primestage
Junior Riser2
Standard
FELIX STAGE RANGES
Standard Stage. This is the original Felix stage module and was designed for general staging requirements, particularly for use in schools without a permanent stage and limited storage6 facilities. The simple design concept, speed of assembly and durability has proved itself in use over twenty years throughout the U.K. and overseas.
Module Size range: -
1219mm x 1219mm 1000mm x 1000mm
1219mm x 914mm 1000mm x 1000mm (Half Diagonal)
1219mm x 610mm
1219mm x 1219mm (Half Diagonal) Any size or shape available on request.
Stage Module Heights: -
152mm up to 762mm in 152mm steps.
See Price List8 for full range of subframes, also stacking blocks6 and special stage rostra
Dramastage. This version is designed for pure theatrical use where the stage surface may need to be painted. The stage surface is a hardwearing medium density fibreboard that will not splinter. The Drama top is supplied painted matt black, covered with a black vinyl or as untreated wood for a D.I.Y. finish.
Tiledek Stage. For many venues, it would be preferred that the squaring effect produced by the hardwood frame of the stage top was not visible, particularly where a permanent, ‘built-in’ appearance is desired, i.e. in churches, seminar and conference rooms, also on exhibition stands. Tiledek stages are produced in the standard range of sizes or manufactured to client’s own specification. Toplok is the linking for this range, Handwheel5 fixings are not provided unless specially requested.
Special Stage Rostra. Felix Design specialize in the design and manufacture of custom-built stage rostra. Basically any shape, size or finish can be supplied to client’s own specification, and is of particular interest to architects at the planning stage of building or refurbishment contracts. Full details are available on the Felix Design Helpdesk9. A series of custom-built rostra are illustrated in the Picture Gallery10.
Primestage. A special lightweight module available in one stage top4 size (914mm x 914mm) and three heights, 305mm, 457mm and 610mm. It is intended for use in venues as occasional rostra where handling of the heavier standard ranges may be a problem. Decor plinths6, step units6 and ramps6 are available, details in the Price List8.
Rainbow. A colourful addition to Felix Staging specifically for Infant Schools and other venues where smaller children are taught or play. The carpet surface is a soft velour pile available in three bright primary colours, Green, Red and Blue. A special process incorporates Permafresh FibreTM provides 100% control of dust mites, bacteria, mould, mildew and fungi that can often trigger allergic and asthmatic reactions, therefore a safer surface for young children. This carpet can also be fitted to any of the Felix Staging. Alternatively, if preferred, any of our standard Denby range is available.
The Rainbow stage module is available in one size, 762mm x 762mm, and two heights, 305mm and 457mm. Decor plinths6, step units6 and ramps6 are available, details in the Price List8.
Junior Riser. This particular rostra is designed to provide two levels of staging within the standard 1219mm x 1219mm module size. Essentially a large step unit6 with two 1219mm x 610mm treads set at 305mm and 610mm high, enabling a double row of children to sit or stand without the use of conventional chairs, giving the opportunity to seat children ‘in the round’ at two heights. It is also possible, with the use of additional subframes and stacking blocks, to raise further levels of children for choirs or assemblies. The 1219mm x 610mm platform levels are made using the lightweight stage top construction4, and are individually locked to the subframe for lifting as a complete unit once assembled. Adjacent units can be joined using the Felix handwheel linking system. See Price List8 for unit cost.
Choir Riser. This type of rostra has been developed specifically to raise a school choir. It is lightweight for easy handling by older children, flat-packed for storage, completely rigid, locked and strong when assembled. Each complete choir riser can be lifted and carried by two or four persons for quick removal off stage during the interval.
Each unit 1800mm x 450mm has foot treads set at 200mm, 400mm, 600mm and 800mm high. The total size when assembled is 1800mm by 1800mm. Safety rails are available for the rear and sides if required.
The four choir risers illustrated can raise approximately eighty children.
Similar rostra can be designed for any particular need including raised seating, curved effects, and adult choirs with a sit-and-stand requirement.
Contact the Felix Design Helpdesk9 for full details.
ASSEMBLY
Assembly - The series of illustrations show how children under supervision can assemble a typical Felix Stage. The range shown is the lightweight Rainbow2 version. The Standard Stage2 is handled exactly the same, but with older children or adults, due to the larger component sizes.
1. Unpacking the stage modules from the storage trolley6. The unique feature of Felix Staging is that all the subframes panels that form the ‘legs’ are stored flat inside the stage top. The trolley shown will store up to twenty stage modules, a total of 11.5sq.m at any height with the overall storage area required just 830mm x 830mm. As each stored unit is complete with legs, only the number of units required need be removed. The storage trolley for the Standard Stage is a different design to allow access through normal doors.
2. The subframe panels are made from industrial grade sheet material and are very light to handle. Each panel weighs just 1.2kg for the 457mm height stage illustrated.
Assembly of the subframe using four identical panels is easy and fun and also teaches the children a basic structural technique - the principle used in the Felix Staging design.
3. Once the panels are assembled, the stage top4 simply fits over the frame to complete the module. The Rainbow stage tops weigh just under 7kg and therefore can easily handled by children under supervision. Once all the modules are assembled, they can be pushed or carried into place to form the stage. The smooth finished sealed subframe panels will not damage floors or have high point loads usually associated with conventional metal “table type” rostra. To stop the modules “drifting” on polished floors, a simple Handwheel5 locking system is provided designed for use by small hands. Toplok5 is also available for the Standard Stage.
4. To provide that professional appearance, Felix Design’s unique carpet covered décor plinths6 are simply fitted around the stage edge as shown.
5. Stage now ready for performance.
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
Stage Top - Standard Stage2.
15mm Birch Plywood core rebated into a 32 x 71mm American Ash hardwood frame clear finished with a satin water based lacquer. The standard stage surface finish is an inlaid fibre bonded heavy contract carpet available in fifteen colours or the Felix Permafresh FibreTM 2
Weight of the 1219mm x 1219mm stage top is approximately 22kg.
Stage Top – Dramastage2.
18mm Medium Density Fibreboard (Moisture Resistant 313) rebated into 32mm x 71mm American Ash hardwood frame. The standard stage surface finish is a non-slip matt black paint, a vinyl covering available in a selection of colours or supplied unfinished ready for D.I.Y.
Weight of the 1219mm x 1219mm stage top is approximately 25kg.
Stage Top - Tiledek2.
18mm Birch Plywood panel bonded to a 32mm x 50mm American Ash hardwood frame. The surface is a flush fitting fibre bonded, heavy contract carpet , a series of vinyl covering or clients own free issue materials. Details on application.
Weight of the 1000mm x 1000mm stage top is approximately 20kg.
Stage Top - Primestage2.
12mm Far Eastern Plywood core rebated into a 22mm x 58mm American Ash hardwood frame clear finished with a satin water based lacquer. The standard stage surface finish is an inlaid fibre bonded heavy contract carpet available in fifteen colours or the Felix Permafresh FibreTM
Weight of the 914mm x 914mm stage top is approximately 9kg.
Stage Top - Rainbow2.
12mm Birch Plywood core rebated into a 22mm x 58mm American Ash hardwood frame clear sealed with a satin water based lacquer. The standard stage surface finish is either an exclusive Felix Permafresh FibreTM inlaid carpet in three bright colours or the standard Denby range.
Weight of the 762mm x 762mm stage top is approximately 7kg.
Subframes - Standard Stage2.
Manufactured from 12mm Medium Density Fibreboard (Moisture Resistant 313). All the subframe panels are clear sealed with a water based lacquer.
Subframes - Lightweight Stage2.
Manufactured from 9mm Medium Density Fibreboard (Moisture Resistant 313). All the subframe panels are clear sealed with a water based lacquer.
Special Stage Rostra2
The materials used to create special size or shaped rostra can be specified by the customer. This includes the hardwood frames, subframe panels and surface finishes. Details and prices available from Felix Design.
Stage Surface Finish.
Fibre Bonded Carpet - Denby from Rawson carpets
15 Colours available - see Colour Card.
Felix Permafresh FibreTM Rainbow -Red - Blue - Green
Clients own free issue carpet.
Painted surface using a floor paint - any colour.
Plain timber surface for a D.I.Y. finish.
Vinyl and specialist finishes - details on application.
LINKING
Module Linking. Portable staging must be constructed to a size that can easily be transported and handled with the minimum amount of labour. For most stages this will involve many individual freestanding stage modules that will move on uneven floors or in crowd scenes, invariably producing unwanted noise. Physically locking all the stage modules together to produce a completely rigid platform provides the best solution. Felix Staging has two forms of module linking:
Handwheel - fitted as standard to all tops.
Toplok - additional optional method.
The Handwheel system. (Basically a 8mm threaded bolt with a moulded plastic handle.) Two holes have been drilled in each side of the stage top; the left-hand hole has a threaded brass bush fitted while the other is clear. When two stage modules are aligned, the bolt of the handwheel is passed through the clear hole to screw into the captive bush of the adjacent module by reaching under the stage top. This produces a completely rigid platform, the special design of the subframe effectively bridges variations in the floor level that would otherwise cause movement and unwanted noise.
The holes in the stage tops have another function, they form fixing points for attaching Accessories6 such as safety rails6 and the Mini-Theatre6 framework, making the entire stage independent of any other supports.
Toplok linking system was introduced for low level stages where reaching beneath the tops is difficult. This involves fitting a heavy-duty steel cam mechanism into each side of the stage top which is key activated through a small access hole in the hardwood frame.
Assembly of a complete stage has never been easier - individual modules are placed in the exact required position, then with a quick turn of the key, each unit is locked on all sides forming a completely rigid structure.
ACCESSORIES
Decor Plinths. A decor plinth is a solid 12mm panel, covered in the same fibre bonded carpet that is used on the stage surface. They are used to cover all the exposed sides of a stage, hiding the subframes4 and reducing further any unwanted foot noise in ‘crowd’ scenes. The carpet face is continued round each vertical edge onto the back. This avoids having exposed edges on the corners and diagonal sides of a stage and offers excellent protection when handling during assembly3.
A normal decor plinth is the exact length of the associated stage top and fits under the stage top4 frame, so the front facing plinths will be the same length as the stage. To continue the plinths along either sides of the stage, the first left-hand and right-hand shorter panels are fitted behind the front facing plinths. These decor plinths are called return decor plinths. For a basic stage configuration with decor plinths on three sides, two return plinths will be needed plus those for the remaining exposed module sides.
Decor plinths are held in position by a simple tongue that locates under the stage top edge.
Tiledek Decor Plinths. These special plinths are designed to cover the full height of the stage including the thickness of the surface covering. The top edge has a hardwood capping that identifies the edge to anyone on the stage. The vertical edges are clean cut to butt against adjacent plinths, providing an unbroken appearance. The plinths are fitted outside the line of the stage. When a return plinth is required, a quadrant hardwood bead is attached to one edge of the associated decor plinth, producing a smooth outside corner.
Tiledek plinths are face locked into position using a Toplok5 key through a small access hole in the plinth face. These specialist plinths are priced separately in the Price List8.
Step Units. For safety and simplicity, step units are constructed as boxes. The actual tread is identical to the specified range of stage top, i.e.: standard or lightweight1, with fitted inlaid carpet. The base supporting the tread is also carpet covered on front and two sides. The length of each step is the same as the stage module ordered, Standard Stage2 1219mm, Primestage2 914mm and Rainbow2 762mm the depth of each tread is always 305mm. Step units are available with one, two or three treads, depending on the overall height of the stage. Single tread units are half the overall height, two tread units set at a third and two thirds the height. For stages above 610mm three treads are used. Multi-tread step unit boxes bolt together forming an independent freestanding module. Single treads must be attached to a decor plinth - ordered separately - to avoid any chance of tipping. All step units have rubber feet to stop sliding on smooth floors.