Versatile Seating Upgrade
Parkview Physicians Group ArtsLab in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a flexible black box performance venue known for innovative productions. For more than a decade, it has inspired audiences through creative programming. To better support its evolving operational and performance needs, the venue upgraded its seating with Kotobuki Seating products designed for durability and adaptability.
Flexible Performance Needs
When Arts United began planning the seating replacement, versatility was essential. As a black box theater, ArtsLab regularly reconfigures seating, risers, and equipment to suit each production. Therefore, the chairs needed to move easily and store efficiently. Flexible configurations also required adaptable row lettering and seat numbering. This ensured smooth operations for performances with reserved seating.
Quality and Support
Arts United sought seating that combined long-term durability with refined design and comfort. Equally important was partnering with a manufacturer known for reliable, ongoing support. As a nonprofit organization, Arts United prioritizes maximizing resources, making service life and after-sales care critical factors.
Comfort and Atmosphere
The seating needed to reflect ArtsLab’s relaxed, experimental atmosphere while remaining practical. Audience comfort was the top priority, allowing patrons to focus fully on the performance. Fabric and color selections had to blend seamlessly into the space while remaining visible and functional in low-light conditions.
The Right Solution
Kotobuki Seating’s FCA-320W chair met every requirement. This stackable seat features a simple fold-up design without elbows, making it easy to rearrange and store. It comes fully upholstered for comfort and supports multiple seating layouts, including flexible row lettering and seat numbering. Kotobuki’s attention to detail, customization options, and long-term support made the FCA-320W the clear choice for ArtsLab.
Miriam Morgan, VP of Operations and COO at Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne, shared: “Arts United is thrilled to have selected Kotobuki seating for our flexible black box theatre. The chairs receive consistent praise for comfort and appearance, while our staff values their portability and adaptability. Kotobuki Seating has truly elevated our experimental theatre space.”
Facility Overview
Opened in 2014, Parkview Physicians Group ArtsLab sits in the heart of Fort Wayne’s Downtown Arts Campus. The venue supports experimental performance formats and innovative presentations. Its design accommodates multiple seating configurations, including proscenium, thrust, and arena layouts. This flexibility helps make performance art accessible to both artists and diverse audiences.
Technical Details
Seating Location: 300 E. Main Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Seats: 185
Product: FCA-320W Seating
Architect:
General Contractor:
Website: artscampusfw.org



