Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Event Lighting & Production Solutions
Founded in 1972, Upstaging has built a legacy as a leader in event production services, specializing in lighting, fabrication, and transportation solutions for concerts, corporate events, and installations. Our team combines creative vision with technical expertise to deliver custom designs that elevate performances and exhibits globally. With a 150,000-square-foot facility in Sycamore, Illinois, we offer end-to-end services including design, fabrication, logistics, and on-site execution. Our commitment to innovation and client-centric service has earned trust from industry icons like The Rolling Stones and Coldplay.We maintain a fleet of secure, modern trucks and a 24-hour support team to ensure seamless transportation and setup. Our technical rehearsal space allows full-scale testing of complex systems before deployment. Over five decades, weve prioritized relationships and reliability, maintaining the same family-driven ethos since our garage-based origins. Our in-house capabilities span carpentry, metalworking, and digital graphics, enabling rapid realization of custom projects. Clients benefit from our 50+ years of experience solving challenges in high-stakes environments, from stadium tours to museum installations.
Services
Concert Tour Lighting
Event Design & Fabrication
Production Trucking
Exhibit Installations
Technical Rehearsal Space
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- 50+ years of experience solving complex production challenges
- Dedicated 24/7 support for transportation and logistics
- In-house design, fabrication, and technical rehearsal capabilities
- Proven track record with top-tier entertainment and corporate clients
- Family-owned business maintaining personal service at scale
What people say
Breathtaking visuals
Peace of mind
Best in the business
Custom solutions
Family vibe
Services
Concert Tour Lighting
We design and implement high-impact lighting systems for stadium tours and live performances. Our technicians operate tested equipment to ensure flawless execution. With decades of experience, we've lit shows for The Rolling Stones, Coldplay, and AC/DC.
Production Trucking
Our specialized fleet provides secure transportation for production equipment across North America. 24/7 monitoring and $50M insurance coverage protect your assets. Drivers anticipate challenges to prevent delays during transit.
Custom Fabrication
In-house carpentry, metalworking, and graphics teams create custom set pieces and exhibits. We handle projects from concept sketches to finished installations using CNC routers, welders, and scenic painters.
Technical Rehearsals
Our 24,000 sq ft facility allows full-scale testing of lighting, audio, and video systems. Clients access programming suites with 60-inch monitors and 3,000-amp power to perfect setups before events.
Exhibit Installations
We install permanent and temporary exhibits with precision lighting and structural support. Recent projects include The Blue Paradox ocean plastic exhibit and historic theater renovations preserving architectural integrity.
People
Joel Forman
Tour Manager
With decades of experience managing major concert tours, Joel relies on Upstaging's proactive problem-solving and equipment expertise to ensure seamless productions across North America.
Jake Berry
Production Manager
As a veteran production manager for AC/DC tours, Jake values Upstaging's consistent family culture and personalized service that adapts to evolving industry demands.
Robb Jibson
Lighting Director
Industry-recognized lighting director Robb collaborates with Upstaging on complex projects requiring innovative solutions and technical precision for high-profile entertainment clients.
Questions
What services does Upstaging offer?
We provide lighting design, stage fabrication, production trucking, exhibit installations, and technical rehearsal facilities for concerts, corporate events, and cultural institutions.
How long has Upstaging been in business?
Since 1972, we've served the event production industry with our Illinois headquarters supporting global projects through specialized transportation services.
Do you handle international events?
While primarily serving North America, our production expertise and logistics capabilities support select international projects through strategic partnerships.
Can you accommodate last-minute changes?
Our in-house teams and 24/7 support enable rapid adjustments. Our technicians often anticipate issues before they arise during complex productions.
What makes Upstaging different?
We combine 50+ years of technical expertise with family-owned service, maintaining ownership continuity since our 1972 founding.
Reviews (4)
Robert S.
Dec 13, 2020
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I was at our dentist office and noticed a clear barrier that this company upstaging made. I thought the company was just what it is They clearly make some of the finest protective face to face barriers I have seen. Fine example of a company doing their very best to keep moving forward in this pandemic. I see their trucks going down the road on occasion very nice and clean I must say. But I believe they make displays and such as well as these fine barriers. Great job Upstaging your craftsman and craftsmanship rock
Scott Thomas
Apr 27, 2020
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Tell your drivers to stop speeding in the construction zone on I-78, and maybe they shouldn't be doing it in the left lane when it says no trucks in the left lane. 3 trucks in a row, almost bouncing off the median wall they were going so fast.
Scott Kelley
Mar 30, 2020
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Great company to work for I've been there for years and counting the days until we will be back to normal entertaining the fans
Andy C.
May 20, 2017
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Best entertainment lighting company in the world! Service and support is second to none. They have the best technicians and quality equipment! They do not cut corners here!
