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Set Build · Choir & Vocal

How to Set Up and Strike Choir Risers

You build the tiered platforms the choir stands on, then take them down after. It's the most physical job of the night, but the rule is simple — every level locks solid before anyone steps up, and you let the spring-loaded mechanism do the heavy lifting.

Level
A little practice
Time
45 min before, 30 min after
Crew size
4-6 people
Standing depth
~21 in. treads
Lock check
Front-back AND side-to-side
Lifts
Two people, always

Quick start

  1. 1

    Unfold one section at a time

    Modern standing risers open like an accordion. Let the gas-spring mechanism control the motion — you're guiding it, not forcing it. Keep fingers off the hinges.

  2. 2

    Lock every level both ways

    Each tier latches front-to-back and side-to-side. Don't assume — physically seat each latch until it clicks home.

  3. 3

    Attach the back rail

    The top row gets a back rail so singers on the highest tier can't step off the back edge. It's not optional; it's the one piece that prevents a fall.

  4. 4

    Push-test the whole stack

    Grab the unit with both hands and rock it hard. If anything wobbles or shifts, re-seat the latch before a singer ever climbs up.

  5. 5

    Strike in reverse, under control

    After the concert: clear the deck, fold each section slowly so the spring takes the weight, and roll everything back to storage.

Watch first

Watch: Folding choral riser setup and safetySearch results show several real setup walkthroughs — watch one that matches your riser brand.

Choir risers are the tiered platforms that lift the back rows so every singer is seen and every voice carries over the row in front. They look heavy and complicated, but the work is rhythmic and quick to learn — unfold, lock, rail, test, repeat. The whole job is built around one promise: nobody stands on a riser that isn't fully locked.

  1. 1

    Clear and plan the floor

    Mark where the risers go based on the director's staging — tallest sections often go center-back. Leave a clear path for singers to file on and off.

  2. 2

    Unfold section by section

    Open one unit at a time. Let the gas-spring assist control the motion — moderate foot pressure, then guide it open. Hands away from the pinch points.

  3. 3

    Lock all levels

    Seat every latch front-to-back and side-to-side. Walk the line and physically confirm each one.

  4. 4

    Attach back rails and any steps

    Top-row back rail goes on every time. If you're using access steps with a handrail, lock those too.

  5. 5

    Push-test

    Rock the assembled stack hard with both hands. Re-seat anything that moves before the choir loads on.

  6. 6

    Strike after the concert

    Clear the deck first, fold each section under control so the spring takes the weight, and roll to storage. Two-person lifts on anything heavy.

Why tiers
Lift back rows so every voice carries over the row ahead
Standing depth
~21 in. treads on most modern units
Pinch points
Hinges during fold/unfold — keep fingers clear
Back rail
Required on the top tier, every time
Heavy items
Two-person lift, no exceptions
  • Every level locked front-to-back and side-to-side
  • Top-row back rail attached
  • Access steps (if used) locked with handrail
  • Whole stack push-tested and solid
  • Floor path clear for singers to file on and off
  • After strike: risers folded, rolled back, and stored; deck and floor clear

More resources

American Choral Directors Association

The national choral body — education, performance, and program resources for directors and volunteers.

Sources: Choral riser manufacturer setup and safety specs (Midwest Folding, SICO, StageRight); American Choral Directors Association (ACDA)