Bri-Tech Is Now a Certified Installer of Sheridan Seating Retractable Stages

When a school asks us to turn a gymnasium, cafeteria, or multipurpose room into a true performance venue, the stage itself is just as important as the AV system sitting on top of it. That's why Bri-Tech is proud to announce we are now a certified installer of Sheridan Seating's retractable stage systems adding professional-grade, code-compliant staging to our growing portfolio of AVL resources for K-12 schools and higher ed.

Why Retractable Stages, and Why Sheridan Seating

Multi-use spaces are the reality of modern school design. A gym has to be a gym on Monday, a stage for the winter concert on Thursday, and an assembly hall on Friday. Portable staging platforms get the job done, but they come with real trade-offs: storage headaches, setup time, inconsistent surfaces, and a look that never quite reads as "performance-ready."

https://vimeo.com/1205784496

Sheridan Retractable Stage Video

Sheridan Seating's retractable stages solve that problem at the architectural level. The platform retracts into a recessed wall niche or sits flush as a surface-mounted unit, and the entire substructure and power mechanics tuck away neatly when closed. At the turn of a key, a room transforms from gym mode to stage mode in under a minute, powered by an instant-reverse electric winch system.

A few things make these systems a strong fit for school environments specifically:

Built for daily use, not just special events. These aren't rental staging decks. The platforms are solid, free of hinge joints or loose hardware, and engineered for the kind of repeated, year-round use a school schedule demands.

Fully customizable to the space. Starting at 6' x 6' and scaling up from there, Sheridan Seating builds to the actual dimensions and constraints of a room including challenging layouts, slanted ceilings, and older buildings where a standard stage footprint just won't work.

Code compliance that holds up to inspection. Every system meets ADA & ABA, IBC, NFPA-5000, ANSI, and UL/ULC standards, with detachable stairs, handrails, and safety-tread steps built in from the start. For school facilities and AHJs, that compliance isn't optional it's table stakes, and Sheridan Seating delivers it as standard.

Installation options that match the building. Recessed-mount stages disappear into the wall for a seamless look in higher-visibility spaces; surface-mount stages offer a more cost-effective retrofit path for existing buildings where minimizing construction disruption matters.

What This Means for the Schools We Work With

Becoming a certified Sheridan Seating installer isn't about adding a product line it's about closing a gap. For years, schools planning an AVL or auditorium upgrade have had to coordinate separately with a staging contractor and an AV integrator, hoping the two scopes lined up. Now, a district working with Young/Bri-Tech can get the stage, the rigging, the lighting, and the full AVL system designed and installed as one coordinated project, with one team accountable for how it all works together.

That matters most in the spaces schools actually have: cafetoriums, gymnasiums, and multipurpose rooms that need to flex between PE class, lunch service, and a fully produced concert or assembly sometimes all in the same week. A retractable stage designed in tandem with the AV system means the sightlines, the cable runs, the lighting positions, and the acoustic treatment are all planned around the same platform from day one.

This certification builds directly on the staging and AVL infrastructure work we've already been doing for schools through our Inspirence video and scoreboard line, and it reflects where we see the next few years of school facility investment heading: multi-use spaces that need to do more, look better, and operate reliably for non-technical staff.

Built Into the Way We Already Design School AVL Systems

Young & Bri-Tech have spent years designing low-voltage, AV, and lighting systems for schools across Long Island, and the constant across every project is the same: school facilities staff need systems that are simple to operate, durable enough for daily use, and flexible enough to support everything from a pep rally to a graduation ceremony. Sheridan Seating's retractable stages share that same design philosophy turn-key operation that any staff member can run, built to hold up under constant use, and engineered to fit spaces exactly as they exist, not as a catalog spec sheet assumes they should.

If your district is planning a gymnasium, cafetorium, or auditorium upgrade and a retractable stage is part of the conversation, we'd welcome the chance to talk through what a fully integrated stage-and-AVL solution could look like for your space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to deploy or retract the stage? A: The entire system operates at the turn of a key and fully deploys or retracts in under a minute using an electric, automated winch system. It requires minimal physical effort, making it easy for any staff member to operate safely.

Q: Can these stages be retrofitted into existing gymnasiums or cafeterias? A: Yes. While recessed-mount stages are ideal for new construction or major renovations, our surface-mount options are perfect for retrofitting existing spaces. They sit flush against the existing wall, minimizing structural disruption while still providing a clean, professional look when closed.

Q: What are the size limitations for a retractable stage? A: Systems are highly customizable. Standard sizes start at 6' x 6', but they can scale up significantly to accommodate large ensembles or theater productions. Because Sheridan Seating custom-builds to the space, we can design around challenging room layouts, low ceilings, and structural obstructions.

Q: Are retractable stages safe and code-compliant for K-12 schools? A: Absolutely. Safety and compliance are built into the engineering. Every stage system meets strict international and national building codes (including ADA, IBC, NFPA-5000, and UL standards). They feature robust locking mechanisms, safety-tread steps, and detachable handrails to ensure student and staff safety.

Q: Why should we source the stage and the AV system from the same team? A: Traditional projects require a district to coordinate separate staging and AV contractors, which often leads to misaligned sightlines, poorly placed cable runs, or lighting positions that don't match the stage footprint. By handling both AVL and staging under one roof, Young/Bri-Tech ensures that acoustics, lighting, power, and sightlines are perfectly integrated from day one.

Ready to explore a retractable stage solution for your school? Contact Young Equipment 631-582-5900 info@youngequipment.com

If your a design professional looking for technical specifications contact Bri-Tech direct at  to schedule a site assessment and design consultation. 631-563-8000 info@bri-tech.com