Kirkland Performance Center (KPC) is a 400-seat, community-driven performing arts venue located in Kirkland, Washington. Known for its diverse programming, KPC hosts a wide range of theater, music, dance, and community events throughout the year.
The Harlequin team worked closely with Thomas Cowdery, Principal at Batten & Light Studio, a Washington-based theater consultation and design services firm, to specify the Liberty Switch system. “I first discovered the innovation while attending The NAMM Show, and I knew KPC needed to be the first to have this product,” said Cowdery. “It was the easiest choice I made when specifying for this project. It will allow the venue to offer diverse types of shows, like a ballet and a theater performance back-to-back.”
To better support its artists and productions, KPC became the first theater in the United States to install the Harlequin Liberty Switch® stage system. The patented, award-winning system transforms from a rigid theatrical floor to a fully sprung performance floor in seconds at the touch of a button.
Finished with a Harlequin RockSure™ polymer composite surface, the new system allows KPC to quickly adapt its stage for different types of performances. A rigid surface can be used for concerts, theater productions, and other events, while the sprung setting provides dancers with the support and protection needed for rehearsals and performances.
Liberty Switch combines a modular design with operational efficiency, reducing the time and labor traditionally required to change between stage configurations. This added flexibility helps KPC accommodate its broad programming while providing artists with a professional performance surface suited to their needs.
Through this installation, Kirkland Performance Center can continue its mission of providing accessible, high-quality performances while expanding the capabilities of its stage for artists, audiences, and the surrounding community.