With hundreds of students entering the classroom this fall, ensuring your learning facilities are adequate to meet their needs is nothing short of a must. While many schools think about the technology students need most to succeed, several overlook the importance of the basics, like comfortable lecture hall seating.

Does It Even Matter?

A chair is a chair is a chair, right? Not quite when it comes to building a productive learning environment. Studies have repeatedly shown that people learn better in comfortable environments, and if you’re selecting something that is about as comfortable as a rock, you’re going to have nearly that level of success in the classroom. The last thing instructors want is students to be concerned about their seating, and providing better options mean they’ll never have to give it a second thought as they move this way or that in their seats working to take notes and pay attention in class.

Are There Any Real Options Out There?

If you haven’t shopped for lecture hall seating recently, you may not even know that there are several options available to meet the needs of your students. Take a look at a few.

  • Swing Away Seating: Almost the ideal choice for every single lecture hall, swing away seats are easy to maintain and offer any space a streamlines look that’s perfect. Because they’re mounted above the floor, the space is easy to maintain, and you can add options like foam seat covers and more for student comfort.
  • Beam Seating: Whether you’re searching for radius or straight configurations, fixed beam seating is perfect when you want to maximize the seating space you have on hand. Nothing ever ends up out of place or in the way when you’re talking about fixed beams, and you can even go with additional comfort options like contour foam seats.
  • Single Pedestal Seating: When you want fixed seating, but you need a bit of individuality, this is a great choice. It gives you more functional space planning, as well as a solid level of comfort.
  • Multi-Purpose Seating: Perhaps the most flexible choice of all, multi-purpose seating allows you the opportunity to choose from a number of different seating options, but you can move all of it out of the space should you need it for other things. From traditional stacking chair designs that incorporate ergonomic comfort to stylish modern choices that add real character to your classroom, you might be surprised at the number of available options in this category.

Ready to get started? Contact us today for more information. We’ll help you come up with the ideal lecture hall seating to meet your needs.

IL Central College 1The Illinois Central College – North Campus’s Arbor Hall was in need of updating. School administration hired general contractor Peoria Metro Construction for a major school renovation that involved the auditorium, new green roof, updates to the Resource Center and demolition of Arbor South.

The team at Carroll Seating was pleased with the finished outcome of this auditorium seating update. The Carroll Seating team hopes that Illinois Central College will enjoy them for many school years to come. For more information about this auditorium seating project or others like it, please visit the Carroll Seating website or call us in Elk Grove, IL at 847-434-0909.

The Lyons Township High School auditorium was in need of updating. School administration hired general contractor Henry Bros Co. for a major school renovation that involved the auditorium, school cafeterias, locker rooms and utility areas. Henry Bros Co. worked with the design team at Carroll Seating to plan a full update their auditorium. Originally built in 1929, the building faced many challenges including tricky sloping.

Here is the auditorium before:

auditoriumbefore
When all options were discussed, the design team chose Hussey’s Quattro Seats. The modular Quattro Collection is built on four superb core styles, each featuring a chair back created for a distinct aesthetic and practical effect. The classic series was chosen for its timeless style, great look and durable polymer outer panel.

Here is a photo after the Carroll Seating installation:

The team at Carroll Seating was pleased with the finished outcome of this auditorium that now seats over 400 patrons. The Carroll Seating team hopes that Lyons Township High School will enjoy it for many school years to come. For more information about this auditorium project, please visit the Carroll Seating website or call us in Elk Grove, IL at 847-434-0909.

 

When people file into auditoriums, it’s the shows they are excited to see: the plays, the musicals, the concerts, the performances. Whether they are there to cheer on a family member dance or watch a world-renowned composer lead a full orchestra, the last thing they are thinking about is the seats. But if they are old and uncomfortable, it will be all they can think about during the show. You can update an old auditorium – and ensure patrons come back again and again – with new seating.

rehab auditoriumGive Old Buildings New Charm, Beauty, and Comfort with New Seating

We’ve all been to theaters and auditoriums that have clearly seen better days. Dingy, worn, uncomfortable. Even if we’re seeing the same show, it casts a pall over the whole event. Old auditoriums, though, often have wonderful architectural features and charm that new buildings can’t match.

You can have your theater and your popcorn too! Updating the seating is arguably the most effective way to bring new light to old buildings. It significantly enhances the aesthetic quality of the space and provides every patron with “the best seat in the house” – no matter where they’re sitting.

If your auditorium features lectures, demonstrations, workshops, presentations, and other interactive performances, your new seating can also encompass data and power. Participants can power up and connect to the information they need. This not only keeps them engaged, it reflects well on your establishment.

You needs may be more simple: comfortable seating that looks great. We can help you with that too. Whether you need to coordinate with your brand or décor colors, want to incorporate your logo, or would like special detailing, Carroll Seating Company can deliver the look and feel you want. More importantly, we can help you deliver the look and feel your customers want.

 

Dirksen Junior High in Joilet, IL had a 220 seat auditorium that was in need of updating.  They contacted the design team at Carroll Seating to work with them over the summer to update their auditorium with new maintenance free seating and increase seating if room allowed.  Carroll Seating was excited to take on this project.  Here is the auditorium before:

Before
before

When all options were discussed, the design team chose Camatic’s Quantum Seats. These seats were designed in consultation with leading ergonomists and are arguably the most comfortable seat of its kind in existence. This popular chair is also extremely durable and easy to maintain. Dirksen staff chose it in pearl grey without the upholstery option for easy cleaning. The gravity tilt seats increase comfort using an innovative, fully enclosed counterweight.  They tilt silently and reliably.

The seats have a patented beam mount system that allows seats to be evenly spaced in every row.  Seats can be easily added, removed or re-spaced, as events require. There are 4 ADA accessible arms and 10 ADA removable sleds to ensure compliance and comfort of those with accessibility needs.  Because Carroll Seating chose these seats with their unique mounting system, they were able to install an additional 37 seats into the existing auditorium.  The room now seats 257 people.

Here is a photo after the Carroll Seating installation:

after
after

The team at Carroll Seating was pleased with the finished outcome of this auditorium at Dirksen Junior High School and hope they enjoy it for many school years to come. For more information about this auditorium project, please visit the Carroll Seating website or call us in Elk Grove, IL at 847-434-0909.

Auditoriums make amazing spaces for a variety of different events. From plays and concerts to graduations, special lectures, and even religious services, the right auditorium can mean so much to a facility or a community. As it ages, though, it not only becomes an outdated space, but it may also become more difficult to use. The last thing you want is for it to fall into disrepair. Auditorium remodel is your next logical step, but if you think this can only be a simple facelift, it’s time to reimagine the possibilities.

Preserving the History

Auditorium redesignMany resist auditorium remodels, citing the history of the area itself and the idea that all of that will be lost once the remodel takes place. That, though, couldn’t be further from the truth. Even in very historic theaters, a remodel is possible, carefully preserving those special elements community members or patrons may not want to see lost in the change. The key here is proper planning. At Carroll Seating Company, our team can help from start to finish. Once you give us a call, you’ll be paired with a project manager who will ensure you get the best possible service, starting with that initial plan.

Potential

One of the best aspects of an auditorium remodel is the fact that you can add so much to your space. From customized, comfortable seating for everyone in the audience to new acoustics and lighting systems, there’s so much that can be done to make the much-needed shift in your space. Carroll Seating company can help. For more than half a century, we’ve been working with spaces just like yours, creating the ideal environment, no matter what that stage is used for again and again. The trusted name in auditorium seating and remodels, we’re the only place to turn as soon as you’re ready. Give us a call today.

What’s the single most important part of every event you hold in your school theatre? The seating, of course! No matter what the event or performance you’ll be holding, those seats will be well-used, so making the right choice is an absolute must. These days, though, everything is completely customizable, and understanding exactly what your options might be is an absolute must.

  • Cushioning: It may seem like a simple choice, but there are lots of options in this category. P1000856Not only can you choose different types of padding, but you can also select from a variety of thicknesses to help offer those in your seats added comfort. Additionally, the covering on your cushioning can come in a variety of colors and materials. You could even opt to have seats embroidered with your school mascot, initials, or another logo.
  • Mechanisms: This category hits on both the decision of whether to go with rising seat cushions as well as the choice in arm rests. If you select rising seat cushions, going with a gravity-lift mechanism can mean a quieter experience. There are, though, a number of other options. Arm rest choices can not only include the type of materials you wish to use, but also whether you want a flip up arm rest to allow for more seat space.
  • Aisle End Covers: As you search for a way to make your school theatre really stand out, this is the perfect way to customize your seating choices. From laminate to solid wood designs that have been engraved to meet your needs, the options here are almost endless.

Whether you’re looking to breathe new life into your auditorium, you need to do some renovations, or you want something a bit more versatile, we can help. With the experience, knowledge, and product choices your school needs, Carroll Seating Company is the only place to turn.

Drew Gough, Sales

Drew Gough,  Sales email our team
Drew graduated from Vermont Technical College in 2017 with an Associates degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. With brief experience in small Architectural and Civil firms in the Portland Maine area, Drew later settled in Hussey Seating Company for the past 5 years. Drew joined the CSC sales team in November of 2024 covering the state of Iowa as his sales territory. Drew has a strong technical background and is very passionate about the products he sells. He believes that a thorough understanding of the products combined with open communication with all parties is the key to success in this industry. Outside of work, Drew enjoys fitness related activities, being outdoors, attending concerts, and spending time with his wife, Emily.

Levi Curtis, Project Manager

Levi Curtis,  Project Manager & Estimator email our team
In my free time I enjoy hunting, fishing, and working on our farm with my sons.  My wife and I enjoy traveling and the chaos of the boy’s youth sports.

Tammy Winship, Accountant

Tammy Winship,  Accountant email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

Kelli Brandon, Project Manager

Kelli Brandon,  Project Manager & Estimator email our team
When not at the office I enjoy painting, baking, and spending quality time with my three grandkids.  .

Mandy Kohlbrecher, Project Manager

Mandy Kohlbrecher,  Project Manager email our team

Mandy Kohlbrecher is a Senior Project Manager and Senior Estimator for Carroll Seating. She is from Trenton, IL and attended Art Institute (Chicago) and Rankin Technical College.

When she joined Carroll Seating in 2013, she brought 10 years of design experience in interiors and architecture to the team.

Eddie Scheer, Sales

Eddie Scheer,  Sales email our team

Eddie Scheer is Carroll Seating’s Regional Director for Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois.

He was born and raised in St. Louis, MO, a die-hard KU Jayhawks fan and graduate of the KU School of Architecture and Design. He has been with Carroll Seating over 11 years and prior to that time,  he served clients for 23 years as an architect.

Dustin Hecht, Project Manager

Dustin Hecht ,  Project Manager email our team
Dustin is a life-long woodworker with a passion for crafting. When he's not in the workshop, he might be found tinkering with cars or hitting the links for a round of golf. Dustin is a family man, happily married to Courtney, and together they have two daughters.

Mike Yager, Sales

Mike Yager,  Sales email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

Doug Mead, General Manager KC and STL

Doug Mead,  General Manager KC and STL email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

Jordon Lanning, Repair & Service

Jordon Lanning,  Repair & Service email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

John Underwood

John Underwood,  Warehouse Manager email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

Jacob

Jacob Allen,  Rproject Manager & Estimator  email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

Connie Gillam,  Repair & Service

Connie Gillam,  Repair & Service  email our team
When out and about I enjoy spending time with my husband Michael and our 5 grandkids.

Brock Christopher,  Sales

Brock Christopher,  Sales email our team
On the weekends and during the evenings, a majority of my time is spent playing soccer with my 7-year-old Kade or working on various projects with my 12-year-old Kael.  During the fall you can find me doing anything related to the KC Chiefs or Mizzou Tigers.

Stephanie Vogl,  R&S Admin

Stephanie Vogl,  RS Admin email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

Suzi Johnson,  Project Accountant

Suzi Johnson,  PM Coordinator email our team
I have spent most of my life in Illinois. I enjoy traveling and taking photos. I need coffee to function. My life revolves around my fur child, Norman.

Dineen O’Keeffe,  Project Accountant

Kevin Morkin,  Insurance / Warehouse email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

Dineen O’Keeffe,  Project Accountant

Dineen O’Keeffe,  Project Accountant  email our team
I enjoy spending time with my family. 

Sarah Maynes,  Project Manager/ Estimator

Sarah Maynes,  Project Manager/ Estimator  email our team
When I am not at work I enjoy baking.

PJ Carroll

Ludwig Hoeft,  Project Manager / Estimator email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

PJ Carroll

Sam Shapiro,  Project Manager  email our team

Sam is a safety trained supervisor of construction whose experience ranges from factory to field.

He enjoys hiking, road trips, and rock concerts.

Mike Gillam

Mike Gillam     email our team
GM of Athletics & Director Repair& Service
My life outside of the office consists of trips to remote locations and spending time with my family and five grandkids.  I love the Lord and doing His work.

PJ Carroll

Patrick J. Carroll,  President  email our team
Pat has been a dedicated member of the Carroll Seating Team since he joined full-time in 1977, after earning his bachelor’s in business from the University of Kansas. He initially gained hands-on experience as an installer during high school and college. In 1998, he was promoted to President, bringing extensive knowledge of both fixed and movable products to the role and focusing on promoting the features of CSC’s vendors for mutual success.  Outside of work, Pat cherishes time with his family, which includes the love of his life Suzy, their three children and four grandchildren. He enjoys golf, fishing, yard work, home projects, and entertaining, always striving to make the most of each day. 

Alexander Klopp

Alexander Klopp  Sales   email our team
When I am not in the office I enjoy my life in the western suburbs as a Husband of 30 years, father of 2 adult children and an active member in our local Presbyterian church. Passions include family adventures with one-of-a-kind experiences.

Tim Haggerty,  Sales  email our team

“When I am not working, I like to enjoy time with my family living an active life style that includes, live music, sporting events, golfing, fishing, and skiing.” 

 

Evan Carroll,  Sales & Special Projects email our team

Evan Patrick Carroll, following an internship from 2003- 2005, joined as full-time sales in 2008.

Tom Madura,  Controller  email our team

Outside of the office, I love spending time with my wife, 3 kids and our dog!  My hobbies include playing golf and practicing guitar which I keep working at. 

Meredith Pollard (Carroll),  General Manager  email our team

Meredith graduated from the University of Kansas in 2010 with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Minor in Business. 

After pursuing a brief retail career, she joined CSC as a full-time employee in March of 2011. Originally hired in sales, Meredith found her fit in the company was better off in Management. She was promoted to the General Manager of the Chicago office in 2018. As General Manager, she believes that a motivated workforce is the foundation of success, and actively promotes collaboration, open communication, and skill development among all employees and believes that a successful business is built on strong relationships—both with clients and team members.

When not at the office, Meredith enjoys her life in Roscoe Village, downtown, with her husband Mike and son Cameron. 

PJ Carroll

Patrick J. Carroll
President

Patrick Carroll, Jr. assumed the positions as President, in 1998.

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