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Fact: Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua's tent is one of the only all-canvas tents still raised in the nation. Most circus tents and other Chautauquas have reverted to vinyl.

Size: 5 canvas sections each weighing approx. 400 pounds 3 measuring 30' x 70' in size and 2 measuring 35' x 70'; they are stitched together with the marquee and raised to create our 160 ft. long, 70 ft. wide and 28 ft. tall tent theater.

Seating: Our theater seats a total of about 900 people on either padded church pews, theater seats or bleachers. The farthest seat from the stage is 90 feet.

Components: 5 canvas sections; 2 center poles; 2 trusses (installed to create a vast expanse over the stage and primary seating area); 18 quarter poles; 50 side poles; 54 screw anchors (as a safety precaution to protect the legs of those wandering the tent grounds in low-light conditions); marquee with separate center pole.

Sound:
Wild Oat Audio Services Inc.Summer Equipment list for BTC.

Screen Size: 16' x 24'

Stage Size: 28' x 56' including the back-screen pit and rear walkway.

Longevity: Elements including hail, rain, sun (UV) and wind all cause wear to the tent. Varying weather conditions directly impact the longevity of the tent.

Typically a tent can last about 8 years. 2001 featured all new canvas including the main tent, concessions tent and information tent.

Acoustics: One of the most outstanding aspects of our theater is the acoustics. The quality is so good we digitally record every performance from which we produce our weekly radio show, Tent Show Radio, broadcast weekly on public radio stations across the U.S.

Intimacy: Perhaps the most rewarding feature of Big Top Chautauqua's tent theater is its intimate setting. Nestled in the gentle hillside of the Mt. Ashwabay and completely removed from any disturbing city sounds or lights, audiences frequently get to meet and "hang" with performers before, during and after the shows.

Annual Attendance:

Pre-set-up: Pre-tent raising setup day activities include highlighting the geometrically located markers used to position the center poles and truss legs.

Tent Set-up

1. Unload and stretch out each of the five 400-pound tent-top sections and marquee.
2. Lace together each section forming the continuous tent top, all 160' X 70' of it, plus marquees.
3. Position the side poles around the circumference of the tent at an outward angle. At this point the tent looks like a large swimming pool.
4. Break.
5. Position the 18 quarter poles (located a quarter of the way into the tent from the outer perimeter). Position the 4 truss legs and center poles.
6. Lunch break.
7. Assemble and raise the 3 massive 60' Quonset-shaped trusses. Bolt to the center poles then remove the lower sections of the poles.
8. Tighten or "tune" the tent ropes and hang the side walls to bring the theater to its competed form.
9. Bring in the seating.
10. Erect the screen and build the stage and back-stage areas including the dressing rooms. Set up the sound, lighting and slide booths.
11. Wire for lights and sound.
12. Rehearse shows.
13. Sell tickets.
14. Cook the burgers, boil the fish, tap the keg and... tear it all down 15 weeks later. Whew!