Abstract: A method for assembling a theater and a theater. The method includes assembling a modular auditorium on a surface within a building structure by providing a plurality of nominal inventory portions. Each nominal inventory portions includes a prefabricated base portion, and a prefabricated tier section for assembly to the base portion. The prefabricated base portion is positioned on a ground surface of a public performance space. The prefabricated tier section is fastened to the prefabricated base portion to form a self supporting structure that does not require lateral support from a building structure other than the ground surface.

Abstract: A connector system, ride system and method for connecting and supporting a suspended load. The system includes a suspended carrier having a first connector part and a suspended load support, arranged and disposed to support a suspended load, the suspended load support having a second connector part. A first magnetic coupler is affixed to the suspended carrier and a second magnetic coupler is affixed to the suspended load support. The first magnetic coupler includes a first arrangement of magnets and the second magnetic coupler includes a second arrangement of magnets. The first arrangement of magnets is selectively arranged and disposed to provide alignment and detachable engagement to the magnets of the second arrangement of magnets. The first connector part and the second connector part releasably engage to connect the suspended carrier to the suspended load support and permit transmission of motion, power, signal and at least one utility from the suspended carrier to the suspended load support.

Abstract: A method for assembling a modular auditorium and modular auditorium. The method includes providing a plurality of nominal inventory portions. Each nominal inventory portions includes a prefabricated base portion, and a prefabricated tier section for assembly to the base portion. The prefabricated base portion is positioned on a ground surface of a public performance space. The prefabricated tier section is fastened to the prefabricated base portion to form a self supporting modular auditorium structure that does not require lateral support from a building structure other than the ground surface.

Abstract: There is provided a lifting fixture securable to a lifting machine adapted for lifting/manipulating corresponding tier sections for assembly/disassembly of a modular auditorium including a plurality of tubes connected to a first fixture portion and a second fixture portion, the plurality of tubes adapted to be selectively secured to the lifting machine, the first fixture portion and the second fixture portion including a plurality of lifting interfaces adapted to interface with corresponding lifting interfaces of the corresponding tier sections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for positioning audience members at locations for viewing an event occurring at an event portion at which a live actor makes a presentation and/or a display is shown. Additionally, the present invention relates to an arrangement having a first venue tray, the first venue tray having a close range event portion at which a live actor can make a presentation and/or a display can be shown and a home row seating section, a second venue tray, the second venue tray having a downrange seating section, a first periphery event portion at which a live actor can make a presentation and/or a display can be shown, and a second periphery event portion.

Abstract: A method of displaying a video display system, assembling a video display system, and a video display system are disclosed. The video display system can include a flexible support, a display device detachably engaged to the flexible support, and a coupling device engaged to the flexible support and the display device at a first location on the display device.

Abstract: A portable support platform system and method for assembling the system are provided. The portable support platform system includes a support platform configured to receive theatrical devices and an orientation member attached to the support platform. The orientation member includes an arcuate surface configured to receive a flexible member. The flexible member is fixably attached to the orientation member at one or more locations along the arcuate surface to permit orientation and movement of the support platform when the flexible members are deployed or retracted.

Abstract: A visual display includes a plurality of display panels. Each of the display panels is secured to a common support device and independently movable relative to an axis associated with the common support device. The display panels are positionable in a first position.

Abstract: A portable barrier retraction device having a drive motor with an addressable drive motor control. The drive motor control is capable of being connected in a serial arrangement with one or more other addressable drive motor controls. The drive motor is in rotational communication with at least one retraction assembly configured to retract or deploy a line in response to rotation of the drive motor. The line is configured to retract or deploy a barrier. The drive motor provides selective rotation in response to an addressed signal from a controller. In addition, retraction systems employing portable retraction devices and methods for assembling the retraction systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A display system, a display process, and an engagement feature are disclosed. The display system includes a first display arrangement, a second display arrangement, and a flexible support extending from the first display arrangement to the second display arrangement. The first display arrangement engages the second display arrangement by movement of the flexible support.

Abstract: An inflatable display device is provided. The inflatable display device includes an inflatable support device, and a plurality of illumination sources, each of the illumination sources secured to the inflatable support device. The illumination sources are arranged in a preconfigured pattern on the inflatable support device, the preconfigured pattern resulting in the appearance of a continuous display. Another inflatable display device includes a cast silicon material, and a plurality of illumination sources, the illumination sources positioned within the cast silicon material. The cast silicon material forms an inflatable structure having a predetermined three dimensional configuration. Another inflatable display device includes an inflatable support device, a plurality of illumination sources, each of the illumination sources secured to the inflatable support device, and a control system coupled to the illumination sources.

Abstract: A method for deployment of a display system includes providing a first collection container for receiving a first display arrangement, and a second collection container for receiving a second display arrangement. The method further includes positioning the first collection container and the second collection container in close proximity to one another. The method further includes selectably engaging the first display arrangement to the second display arrangement and simultaneously deploying the first and second display arrangements.

Abstract: An automation and motion control system for theatrical objects, such as theatrical props, cameras, stunt persons, lighting, scenery, drapery or other similar types of devices or items, is provided to coordinate the movement of the objects on a large scale and/or to control the operation of the objects.

Abstract: A method for assembling a display system includes positioning and selectively engaging a plurality of modules together to form a first tier, lifting the first tier, positioning and selectively engaging a plurality of modules together to form a second tier, and attaching the second tier to the first tier.

Abstract: Provided is a winch apparatus including two exchangeable and interchangeable gears connecting a motor to a drum, the drum being operative to extend and retract a flexible line. By exchanging and interchanging the gears to effect a change in the ratio of the diameters of the first gear to the second gear, the torque and the linear speed of the flexible line are adjustable, permitting the same winch apparatus to move heavier loads at lower speeds, or lighter loads at higher speeds.

Abstract: A platform system having a video module assembly. The video module assembly includes a receiving member and a first video module removably secured to the receiving member. The video module includes an array of light emitting devices, and the receiving member is configured to directly or indirectly detachably secure a second video module.

Abstract: A visually evident connection system for a plug-in power/data cable including a power/data cable connector securable to a power/data cable. The connector is configured to be received by a power/data receptacle having an illumination region. In response to an interconnection between the connector and the receptacle, the connector is configured to provide visual evidence of the interconnection by illumination of a component other than the illumination region of the receptacle. The source of illumination of the component is provided by the illumination region of the receptacle.

Abstract: An automation and motion control system for theatrical objects, such as theatrical props, cameras, stunt persons, lighting, scenery, drapery or other similar types of devices or items, is provided to coordinate the movement of the objects on a large scale and/or to control the operation of the objects.

Abstract: An audio performance system for use during an event including a shipping container containing at least a first electroacoustic device. A lifting device forms a first portion of the shipping container, the lifting device configured to movably secure the first electroacoustic device between a first position for transport of the container and a second position for the event. A second portion of the shipping container is configured to be manually removable. A third portion of the shipping container is configured to positionably secure a second electroacoustic device for the event.