Welcome to Stage Technology! Thank you for choosing the stage equipment company where you come first.

The following is a brief summary of our origins that highlights some of the reasons why Stage Technology is the first call for all your stage equipment needs.

Stage Technology is the next in a long line of successful companies that began in the Greensboro, North Carolina home of Bertie and W. Raymond Taylor in 1923. From sewing drapes in their living room as Stage Decoration and Supply, to the eventual manufacture of rigging equipment under the name of SECOA (Stage Equipment Company of America), the Taylors began a legacy of quality and service that continues to this day.

Formerly the Catalog Division of SECOA, Stage Technology is a new company with all the history of SECOA and Stage Decoration behind it. In December of 2002, long time Division Manager John Mullen joined forces with Niles Sayre to purchase the Catalog Division from SECOA's current owner, James T. Kunz. It was SECOA'S wish to remove itself from the Catalog Supply business in order to focus on the large, high quality rigging installations that have become both its standard, and its strength. Knowing that they could continue the unsurpassed service and attention to detail already established by SECOA's eighty years in the business, Niles and John seized the opportunity to continue the thirty plus years of care, and individual consideration that SECOA always afforded its catalog customers.

Stage Technology continues to evolve in ways that enable it to better serve the diverse community that is the core of our loyal customer base, while persistently pursuing those customers who are new to the Stage Technology experience. In March of 2003, Stage Technology relocated to Washington Avenue in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This move gives Stage Technology a central location, just off of Interstate Highway 94, that most of our local customers will enjoy. It also situates Stage Technology five minutes from downtown Minneapolis. For the many urban theatres that make Minneapolis one of the largest theatre communities in America, this means we are right where they need us to be for emergency orders, and ultimate convenience.

At Stage Technology we want our customers to feel comfortable dropping in on us. Whether you need to discuss solutions to your unique problems, or just want a couple of sheets of gel, our staff is available to speak with you regarding any theatre related topic. We have a showroom full of quality merchandise and literature, with ample display space to showcase new products. Give us a call if you need a demonstration of the latest technology, or if you just want to get a closer look at a product you are not familiar with.

Always looking toward the future, Stage Technology now rents a wide range of stage equipment. From cutting edge moving light fixtures like the Martin Mac 300 and High End's Studio Spot 250, to basic lighting packages that anyone can use, Stage Technology is now the best source for all your rental needs. We rent all types of standard light fixtures, fog machines by Rosco, spotlights from Lycian & Altman, hazers by Le Maitre, and DMX control consoles by ETC and Zero88. As an added plus, we have a heated drive-in bay for comfortable loading during the long Minnesota winter. Feel free to call with any rental questions. When possible, we are happy to expand our rental inventory to meet your needs.

Niles Sayre, President
Niles began his adventures in theatre by pursuing an academic career. He spent several years as an Assistant Professor, Technical Director, and Designer at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. In addition, Niles brings over twenty years of leadership experience gained while overseeing the operations of a nationwide theatre supply company. From 1979 until his December 2002 purchase of Stage Technology, Niles held management positions with branches of Norcostco in Atlanta and New Jersey, with the majority of his time spent at their corporate headquarters in Minnesota where he attained the position of Vice President of Sales.

John Mullen, Co-Founder and Past President
John, our colleague and good friend, passed away suddenly September, 2005. He had over twenty years of experience providing stage equipment and supplies with a passionate dedication to customer service, and a willingness to go the extra mile that insures our customers get quality products on time, every time. John’s business values and spirit are now instilled at Stage Technology and his legacy will carry on. During his twelve year tenure at SECOA, John held the positions of Catalog Division Manager, and Director of Sales and Marketing.

Mike Steskal, Sales Associate

Becky Sweely, Sales Associate

Roxanne Skarphol Miller, Sales Associate

Stage Technology is a single source provider of Theater and Music Performance Equipment serving Professional, Educational, and Community venues throughout the United States and abroad.

Stage Technology endeavors to approach all customers with a spirit of cooperation, teamwork, and mutual respect, while working within established budgets, and schedules. Stage Technology's employees are dedicated to honesty and integrity, and we continually strive to meet, or exceed, our customer's expectations.

As such, our underlying goal is, at all times, customer satisfaction.