The Do's and Don'ts of Performing Arts Storage

Considerations for storing props, sheet music, and video equipment in education spaces

July 13th, 2022 - 2 min read

Storing Equipment for School Performing Arts Programs

At many schools, learning comes from more than just books, computers, and classroom lectures. For students studying performing arts, specialized equipment, and materials – including props, sheet music, and video equipment – are needed to enrich their educational experience.

A performing arts department must approach renovation projects with a focus on keeping their valuable educational tools organized, secure, and accessible for both teachers and authorized students. As you’re evaluating your performing arts department’s storage needs, be sure to avoid these critical pitfalls.

Don't let prop rooms become disorganized
Don't settle for static music storage
Don't sacrifice visibility for secure storage
Don't accept space limitations

school theatre department backroom with spacesaver shelving

Do: Utilize Versatile Storage Solutions to Optimize Space

Scenery, costumes, and props are integral to an immersive theatre experience. While props may have a logical position on stage, careful consideration is needed to ensure they are properly stored to allow use in future performances.

To adequately store large stage props, storage managers can utilize our robust widespan shelving. For properly storing smaller props, a performing arts department can take advantage of our Nantucket Drawers and Trays on 4-Post shelving.

With the right shelving solutions, prop organization and the ability to retrieve items improve significantly, allowing crew more time to spend getting the performance ready for opening night.

music department with Spacesaver mechanical assist system for files and music sheets

Do: Invest in a Dynamic Music Library

While traditional static file cabinets and shelving can offer a home to sheet music, records, and other materials, accessing those items quickly isn't always possible.

Spacesaver High-Density Mobile Shelving systems – available with powered and mechanical assist control – are designed to deliver efficient document management in less space. Here, materials are organized on customized shelving units, allowing instructors quick access to the pieces they need to strike the right tone with their students.

school videography room with camera on tripod and Spacesaver cabinets for video equipment storage

Do: Keep Items Locked Behind Perforated Steel Doors

Professors and administrators require locking cabinets to store expensive video production equipment. The ability to see inside and verify that everything is stored properly and accounted for builds efficiency into secure inventory practices.

Our 4-Post shelving fitted with locking perforated steel doors creates cabinets that keep these valuable items visible yet secure, so available funds don't end up on the cutting room floor.

Do: Preserve the Art of Learning with Innovative Ideas

From storing props, sheet music, video equipment, and students' personal belongings, to creating flexible collaboration spaces, Spacesaver solutions can be tailored to fit performing arts departments of all sizes.

Discover more of our solutions designed to help departments flourish by downloading our Canvass the Campus Brochure and get your performing arts department's storage ready for the spotlight.