Abstract: An improved portable platform for the performing arts for providing a generally covered performing stage and being shiftable from a stowed configuration to a performing configuration wherein an upper and a lower roof assembly from a canopy over the stage having a rain exclusion means for preventing the passage of rain through the canopy and for preventing the entry of rain into the platform when in the stowed configuration. The portable platform includes hydraulic actuation means having at least two hydraulic loops, the first of such loops including a hydraulic ram, the ram extending and supporting the roof assembly, the two hydraulic loops being connected by an interrupter adapted to hydraulically isolate the two loops, thereby hydraulically locking the ram to support the roof assembly in the event of a loss of hydraulic pressure in the second hydraulic loop.