Tiffin Scenic Studios Inc., founded in 1901 by scene artist Daniel O’Connell, has established itself as a premier designer and manufacturer of stage and athletic rigging systems in the United States. Initially located in an old theatre building, the company began by providing painting and finishing services for vaudeville and opera companies. As the performance landscape evolved, particularly during the Prohibition Era, Tiffin Scenic transitioned to a former brewery, allowing for the expansion of its innovative scenic production capabilities.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Tiffin Scenic's equipment became integral to over 190 commercial theatres across 22 states, showcasing the company’s influence within the theatre industry. In 1941, under the leadership of James F. Kuebler, Tiffin Scenic pivoted its focus from painted scenery to stage machinery, pioneering advancements in safe and efficient stage rigging solutions that continue to uphold the company’s reputation for high quality and dependability.
Today, Tiffin Scenic operates from a state-of-the-art 23,000 square-foot facility, which includes extensive manufacturing and storage space. The company is well-equipped with advanced machinery such as lathes, milling machines, and metal cutting tools, enabling it to produce a variety of custom rigging systems tailored to client specifications. Tiffin Scenic Studios designs rigging solutions for a variety of applications including auditoriums, theatres, and multi-purpose athletic venues. Their offerings encompass draperies, track systems, motorized rigging, and innovative athletic netting solutions.
With over a century of experience, Tiffin Scenic Studios continues to innovate within the rigging industry, ensuring safety and maximizing creative possibilities for performance spaces nationwide.
