Tait provided a large 61m by 17.6m rolling main stage for the production, with a thrust extending out 26m to the B-stage. The main stage and thrust were finished with specially treated marine wood, paired with a quartz treatment to prevent water damage and provide texture. Two key performance areas were finished with a high gloss treatment for performer movement.
Tait also provided two custom designed technical bunkers with an integrated water protection plumbing system. Housing the backline and sound technicians, the bunkers kept the technicians close to the band but out of audience view during performances. Two front of house bunkers were also manufactured by Tait, built with aluminium framework and waterproof PVC coated polyester. The bunkers were four metres wide by 2.5m high with retractable roofs and adjustable height legs.
Sixteen removable pyrotechnic effect platforms were built and attached to the main stage, to hold CO2 jets for the pyrotechnic team. Six custom made decks were also produced with central holes, to hold recessed lighting elements. High End Systems' Techno Arc lights were positioned on a shelf within these recessed decks, and finished with a transparent plastic dome which raises above the stage surface for water protection.
A 24m long catwalk was also supplied by Tait and extends out into the audience from the main stage to the B stage. The catwalk was integrated into the main stage apron with custom designed transition decks to determine the fixed angle of the integrated ramp section. The support structure of the ramp contained sets of custom designed legs at fixed heights produced specifically for the tour, to ensure the ramp angle remains consistent across all shows.
A key part of the stadium design concerned weather proofing the performance area. Tait built a large custom waterproof canopy which covered the main stage performance area. Made with a combination of aluminium and steel frames with an integrated PVC skin, the innovative canopy was 6.7m long and 3.4m high, with integrated plumbing so that water could drain away from the stage area. The canopy was also finished with a custom scenic silver paint.
The project was a collaborative effort between Tait's United States and European offices, with a build timeframe of five weeks.
For a full report on Muse's Second Law tour, see the May 2013 issue of LSi, out now.
(Jim Evans)
