Performance Venue
KCL Engineering + About the Stage
Creative designs orchestrated by KCL's team of imaginative
lighting designers, savvy technology gurus, and problem-solving mechanical experts have differentiated KCL as a valuable consultant in performance venue design. With a desire to offer even more to this dynamic market, KCL has formed a partnership with About The Stage, a specialized theatre consulting firm led by Chris Tilton. Chris' 25 years of experience in venue operations, functional planning, and theatrical design helps clients plan for each detail that makes a venue function optimally – in front of an audience or out of sight. As a resource with broad expertise, About The Stage helps to holistically deliver the best in theatrical functionality, sound excellence, visual quality, and audience comfort.
"I deeply respect how Chris Tilton approaches theatre consulting. Beyond exceptional planning and design, he is an incredibly effective owner advocate
and design team guide."
James Deeds, PE, LEED AP, Trombonist
KCL Engineering
About the Stage
About The Stage plays a central role in the planning, design, and building process for a wide variety of theatres and venues. Promoting understanding between the design team and users is a strength of founder, Chris Tilton, who fluently speaks the languages of theatre, creative design, and construction. With career experience in all facets of venue operations and stage functionality, as well as decades in lighting design, Chris can share practical information about the function and uses of a venue with a design team, while helping clients understand the complexities of the construction process. Chris' involvement helps everyone see the complete picture to deliver success on these complex projects.
"James' leadership, coupled with KCL's creative problem solving and passion for excellence, are a benchmark for engineering innovation. The caliber of service provided by their firm aligns perfectly with ATS' core values, resulting in an optimal partnership for which I am ecstatic!"
Chris Tilton, LC, LEED AP
About The Stage
KCL + ATS theatre consulting Services
Integrated artistic, operational, and technical viewpoints so you hit the mark.
Theatre Planning
Theatre Systems Design
Area programming, adjacencies, and volumes
Stage and production ergonomics
Audience chamber shaping, sight-line analysis, seating strategy, and accessibility
Front-of-house circulation, interface with audience and back-of-house spaces, and ergonomics
Code support related to public assembly and theatrical venue types
Rigging systems and equipment
Theatrical lighting controls, distribution, and equipment
Track, drapery, and related soft goods
Platform lifts, traps, and filler systems
Portable staging, risers, wagons, and seating
Audience seating systems
Acoustic shell enclosures, clouds, and banners in support of acoustical design
Shop and stage tools, equipment, and access systems
MEPT Engineering
House lighting
Electrical power conditioning
Air flow distribution
Acoustical attenuation of mechanical equipment
Telecommunications
Audio/video equipment and controls
Access control and security
Life safety systems
Take a look at our comprehensive MEP and Technology services for your total building needs.
Achieving top performance with industry-specific credentials and involvement.
Flint, MI
Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH
El Dorado, AR
Point Park University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cleveland, OH
University of Mount Union, Alliance, OH
Aurora, IL
Olney, MD
Wheaton, IL
Bettendorf, IA
Arnolds Park, IA
Des Moines, IA
Roland, IA
Truro, IA
Bondurant, IA
Solon, IA
Dubuque, IA
Ankeny, IA
Ames, IA