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  • White Paper Report

      • Introduction:

      The purpose of this report is to explore the numerous advantages that a floating stage can bring to a community. A floating stage offers a versatile performance space that can enhance community engagement, promote arts and culture, and provide economic benefits. Additionally, its unique location and adaptability contribute to its appeal. This report will examine each benefit in detail.

      Versatile Performance Space:

      A floating stage provides a dynamic and adaptable performance space that can accommodate a wide range of events. Whether it’s concerts, theater performances, dance shows, cultural festivals, or even educational programs, a floating stage offers a unique and memorable experience for performers and audiences alike. The floating nature of the stage adds an element of excitement and novelty to the performances, attracting both
      residents and tourists.

      Scenic Location:

      One of the key advantages of a floating stage is the ability to utilize picturesque locations such as lakes, rivers, or coastal areas. This scenic backdrop enhances the aesthetic appeal of performances, creating a visually stunning experience. The beauty of the natural environment combined with the performances adds to the overall atmosphere and enjoyment of the event. It can also serve as a promotional tool to attract visitors and showcase the community’s natural assets.

      Increased Capacity:

      Traditional performance venues often have limitations in terms of seating capacity. However, a floating stage offers the advantage of accommodating larger audiences. This increased capacity allows more people to
      attend and enjoy the performances, which can have a positive impact on ticket sales and revenue generation. The ability to cater to larger audiences is particularly beneficial for communities that experience high demand for cultural and artistic events.

      Enhanced Accessibility:

      Accessibility is an essential consideration for community events. By introducing a floating stage, communities can address accessibility challenges and ensure that people of all abilities can participate in and enjoy
      performances. Floating stages can be strategically positioned in easily accessible locations, providing equal opportunities for everyone to engage in cultural experiences. This inclusivity strengthens community bonds and fosters a sense of belonging among residents.

      Flexibility and Adaptability:

      The mobility of a floating stage offers unparalleled flexibility in event planning and scheduling. It can be relocated to different areas within the community or neighboring communities, catering to diverse
      populations and allowing a wider range of people to benefit from the performances. This adaptability is particularly useful for events that require changing venues, enabling organizers to host performances in unique and unconventional locations. The floating stage can also act as a temporary solution for communities lacking permanent performance spaces.

      Community Engagement:

      A floating stage serves as a focal point for community engagement and participation. It creates a shared space where residents can come together to enjoy cultural events, fostering a sense of togetherness and
      community identity. The stage can be utilized for various community–oriented programs, such as talent shows, youth performances, and local arts initiatives. This engagement strengthens social bonds, promotes collaboration, and cultivates a thriving community spirit.

      Economic Impact:

      The introduction of a floating stage can have a significant economic impact on the community. By
      hosting events on the floating stage, communities can attract visitors, boost tourism, and generate revenue from ticket
      sales, concessions, and associated businesses. Additionally, the increased foot traffic in the area can benefit local shops,
      restaurants, and hotels, contributing to the growth of the local economy. The floating stage becomes a catalyst for
      economic development and supports the sustainability of the community.

      Promotion of Arts and Culture:

      A floating stage serves as a platform for promoting arts and culture within the community. It offers local talent and artists an opportunity to showcase their skills and creativity. By providing a professional performance space, the floating stage nurtures artistic growth and encourages community members to express themselves. This support for arts and culture not only enriches the community’s cultural fabric but also attracts
      artists from outside the area, fostering a vibrant creative scene.

      Environmental Considerations:

      When designing and constructing a floating stage, it is essential to prioritize environmental considerations. By using sustainable materials and incorporating eco–friendly features, such as solar panels or water treatment systems, the floating stage can minimize its impact on the surrounding environment. This commitment to sustainability aligns with the broader goals of eco–conscious communities and ensures minimal ecological
      disruption.

      In Conclusion:

      The introduction of a floating stage to a community offers numerous benefits. From providing a versatile performance space and a scenic location to enhancing accessibility and promoting community engagement, a floating stage contributes to the overall well–being and cultural vibrancy of a community. Furthermore, the economic impact, the promotion of arts and culture, and the environmental considerations make the floating stage an asset that fosters community pride, attracts visitors, and creates memorable experiences for all.

      By Pat Locke

      Floating Stage Productions wishes to Welcome Lake Compounce to the floating stage family.  Lake Compounce is the oldest continuously operating amusement park located in Bristol, Connecticut having opened in 1846.  The park spans 322 acres which includes a beach area.
      Music has always been a major part of Lake Compounce’s history and so it continues today with the announcement of a new floating stage for their 2023 concert schedule.  Lake Compounce is the only entity in the State of Connecticut to provide this unique venue.  The parks leadership continues to provide the region with quality, affordable family fun and entertainment in its rich tradition of excellence.
      The first permanent building on the property was The Casino built in 1895 with an upstairs ballroom.  In the 1930s, an enormous dance floor without walls was added so visitors could dance “under the stars”.  A high-arched ceiling and windowed walls were added in 1937. Many big bands of the day played at Lake Compounce from Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey to Cab Calloway, Count Basie to Stan Kenton, Harry James to Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw.  In 1938, the Artie Shaw Orchestra performed with jazz/swing music female vocalist, Billie Holliday.  The all-time attendance record of 5,000 dancers was set in the Spring of 1941 when the Dorsey orchestra featured a young, up-and-coming male vocalist named Frank Sinatra.
      We salute Lake Compounce on their continued effort of “Bringing the Arts to the People” and including Floating Stage Productions in their expansion plans.
      For more information go to the Lake Compounce website.

      by Pat Locke

      The floating stage was located in Bemus Point NY along the shores of Bemus Bay on beautiful Chautauqua Lake.
       
      “If you build it, they will come”. 
      And come, they did .. to experience what was known as the Bemus Bay Pops for 20 years!
      In 1998, the Pops was created by Dan and Sue Dalpra, former owners/operators of the Italian Fisherman restaurant. They experienced great success attracting people to the lawns, decks and waters of Bemus Bay. The series of concerts featured nationally known tribute bands on the Bemus Bay Pops floating stage.  Each weekend throughout the summer season audiences enjoyed a selection of music spotlighting the eras of disco, rock n’ roll, swing, jazz, rock, country, island and Motown.
      Over Labor Day weekend the Bemus Bay Pops Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Bruce Morton Wright and John Marcellus presented a diverse program each season ranging from Gershwin and Sousa to the Beatles including motion picture musical themes. The Labor Day concerts through the years always featured vocalists who paid tribute to legends such as Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Barbra Streisand.
      The Bemus Bay Pops was often referred to by Dan and Sue Dalpra as Camelot. The Pops truly encompassed the word and its meaning ..
      In short, there’s simply not
      A more congenial spot
      For happily-ever-aftering
      Than here in Camelot
      by Pat Locke
      Public transportation at Lake Compounce began in 1895 which brought thousands of park visitors to the park by trolley.  In about that same year, Timothy Murphy began to assemble the historic carousel.  He combined the works of 54 master carvers. Lake Compounce purchased it for $10,000 and opened it to the public on Memorial Day in 1911. The carousel was designed by German carver, Charles Looff and built in 1890. This rare surviving and operational Looff carousel was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
      Special interest to boating history buffs is the fact that Lake Compounce purchased the first of three Chris Craft speedboats in May of 1929 for $2,800.  At a cost of 15 cents for a thrilling ride around the lake, the boats paid for themselves by July.  In 1943, Lake Compounce purchased a miniature steam railroad designed and built by British actor, William Gillette, portrayer of Sherlock Holmes. The following year more than 100,000 passengers rode on more than 35 tons of 17 gauge steel track. The train ride completely encircled the lake.
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