Open Forum

Hello! I work at a tiny high school that has a theatre program, but no designated space. Last year we performed in the parking garage because it was open air, and had the best available acoustics. This year, I'd like to try performing indoors, but the spaces we have available to us have TERRIBLE acoustics. The music teacher and I are considering investing in an acoustic shell, and I'm wondering whether anyone has any experience with them. Alternately, if you have suggestions for making a space more acoustically viable for performance, I'd be grateful for your ideas! 

Many thanks,
Amanda

------------------------------
[Amanda] [Cadogan] [English and Theatre]
[Maybeck High School]
[Oakland] [CA]
------------------------------

This is a very difficult problem to sove and I would hate to see you and your colleagues search after solutions through trial and error as this can be very time consuming and frustrating, and in the short and long term, might not make a difference.  That being said, some things that might help-- and without knowing the circumstances of your space are just sort of general ideas--- are: EQ'ing your sound system using an analyzer so that there is a flat frequency response across the EQ; bringing the audience closer to the performers and then hanging soft goods behind them; using a ground cloth as a performing space; and or using booked flats to define and create space. 

Ultimately, if you can, bring in an accostic engineer or theater consultant to help you navigate the performance space I think that would be your best option and money very well spent in the long run.  


------------------------------
Michael Johnson
Trinity High School
NC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-02-2022 14:04
From: Amanda Cadogan
Subject: Acoustic Shell?

Hello! I work at a tiny high school that has a theatre program, but no designated space. Last year we performed in the parking garage because it was open air, and had the best available acoustics. This year, I'd like to try performing indoors, but the spaces we have available to us have TERRIBLE acoustics. The music teacher and I are considering investing in an acoustic shell, and I'm wondering whether anyone has any experience with them. Alternately, if you have suggestions for making a space more acoustically viable for performance, I'd be grateful for your ideas! 

Many thanks,
Amanda

------------------------------
[Amanda] [Cadogan] [English and Theatre]
[Maybeck High School]
[Oakland] [CA]
------------------------------

I completely agree with all of those thoughts. I also wanted to throw out there that we were able to contact a local college for the acoustic testing. They brought their class to us, charging a nominal fee, and then we were able to see their presentations and brought their suggestions (at two different price points) to our administrators. It was very interesting and insightful. 

We have done very few of the suggestions due to cost but EQing the system was probably THE most effective change we've made. 

------------------------------
Marika Kraus
Drama Director
Somers High School
CT
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-03-2022 11:49
From: Michael Johnson
Subject: Acoustic Shell?

This is a very difficult problem to sove and I would hate to see you and your colleagues search after solutions through trial and error as this can be very time consuming and frustrating, and in the short and long term, might not make a difference.  That being said, some things that might help-- and without knowing the circumstances of your space are just sort of general ideas--- are: EQ'ing your sound system using an analyzer so that there is a flat frequency response across the EQ; bringing the audience closer to the performers and then hanging soft goods behind them; using a ground cloth as a performing space; and or using booked flats to define and create space. 

Ultimately, if you can, bring in an accostic engineer or theater consultant to help you navigate the performance space I think that would be your best option and money very well spent in the long run.  


------------------------------
Michael Johnson
Trinity High School
NC

Original Message:
Sent: 09-02-2022 14:04
From: Amanda Cadogan
Subject: Acoustic Shell?

Hello! I work at a tiny high school that has a theatre program, but no designated space. Last year we performed in the parking garage because it was open air, and had the best available acoustics. This year, I'd like to try performing indoors, but the spaces we have available to us have TERRIBLE acoustics. The music teacher and I are considering investing in an acoustic shell, and I'm wondering whether anyone has any experience with them. Alternately, if you have suggestions for making a space more acoustically viable for performance, I'd be grateful for your ideas! 

Many thanks,
Amanda

------------------------------
[Amanda] [Cadogan] [English and Theatre]
[Maybeck High School]
[Oakland] [CA]
------------------------------

What was the college class? Sound design? Acoustics? Something else?

------------------------------
Nathan Rosen
Atholton High School
theatre teacher/director
Columbia, MD USA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-04-2022 07:09
From: Marika Kraus
Subject: Acoustic Shell?

I completely agree with all of those thoughts. I also wanted to throw out there that we were able to contact a local college for the acoustic testing. They brought their class to us, charging a nominal fee, and then we were able to see their presentations and brought their suggestions (at two different price points) to our administrators. It was very interesting and insightful. 

We have done very few of the suggestions due to cost but EQing the system was probably THE most effective change we've made. 

------------------------------
Marika Kraus
Drama Director
Somers High School
CT

Original Message:
Sent: 09-03-2022 11:49
From: Michael Johnson
Subject: Acoustic Shell?

This is a very difficult problem to sove and I would hate to see you and your colleagues search after solutions through trial and error as this can be very time consuming and frustrating, and in the short and long term, might not make a difference.  That being said, some things that might help-- and without knowing the circumstances of your space are just sort of general ideas--- are: EQ'ing your sound system using an analyzer so that there is a flat frequency response across the EQ; bringing the audience closer to the performers and then hanging soft goods behind them; using a ground cloth as a performing space; and or using booked flats to define and create space. 

Ultimately, if you can, bring in an accostic engineer or theater consultant to help you navigate the performance space I think that would be your best option and money very well spent in the long run.  


------------------------------
Michael Johnson
Trinity High School
NC

Original Message:
Sent: 09-02-2022 14:04
From: Amanda Cadogan
Subject: Acoustic Shell?

Hello! I work at a tiny high school that has a theatre program, but no designated space. Last year we performed in the parking garage because it was open air, and had the best available acoustics. This year, I'd like to try performing indoors, but the spaces we have available to us have TERRIBLE acoustics. The music teacher and I are considering investing in an acoustic shell, and I'm wondering whether anyone has any experience with them. Alternately, if you have suggestions for making a space more acoustically viable for performance, I'd be grateful for your ideas! 

Many thanks,
Amanda

------------------------------
[Amanda] [Cadogan] [English and Theatre]
[Maybeck High School]
[Oakland] [CA]
------------------------------

Acoustic problems can be very specific to an environment, so be cautious of generic advice to add specific materials to a room.  Solutions that are effective are tailored to the unique needs of each room and it's problems.  Too much sound absorption and the room can be difficult to hear in, not enough sound diffusion and the sound decays as a series of distinct echoes; diffusion and absorption neither one will solve noise issues (noise from air handlers, lighting ballasts, or sources outside of the room).  As Michael Johnson suggested, get an acoustical engineer that understands theatre (not all do) to asses the room and make recommendations.  PM me if you are interested.

------------------------------
Erich Friend
Theatre Consultant
Teqniqal Systems LLC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-02-2022 14:04
From: Amanda Cadogan
Subject: Acoustic Shell?

Hello! I work at a tiny high school that has a theatre program, but no designated space. Last year we performed in the parking garage because it was open air, and had the best available acoustics. This year, I'd like to try performing indoors, but the spaces we have available to us have TERRIBLE acoustics. The music teacher and I are considering investing in an acoustic shell, and I'm wondering whether anyone has any experience with them. Alternately, if you have suggestions for making a space more acoustically viable for performance, I'd be grateful for your ideas! 

Many thanks,
Amanda

------------------------------
[Amanda] [Cadogan] [English and Theatre]
[Maybeck High School]
[Oakland] [CA]
------------------------------

Everyone is correct, the acoustics change with the space, if you are constantly changing spaces, you will be reinventing the wheel every time you perform. I recommend attempting to find a permanent location that you can remain in.

------------------------------
Jerry Onik
V.P. Theatrical Supplies and Equipment
Heartland Scenic Studio
NE
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-05-2022 02:22
From: Erich Friend
Subject: Acoustic Shell?

Acoustic problems can be very specific to an environment, so be cautious of generic advice to add specific materials to a room.  Solutions that are effective are tailored to the unique needs of each room and it's problems.  Too much sound absorption and the room can be difficult to hear in, not enough sound diffusion and the sound decays as a series of distinct echoes; diffusion and absorption neither one will solve noise issues (noise from air handlers, lighting ballasts, or sources outside of the room).  As Michael Johnson suggested, get an acoustical engineer that understands theatre (not all do) to asses the room and make recommendations.  PM me if you are interested.

------------------------------
Erich Friend
Theatre Consultant
Teqniqal Systems LLC

Original Message:
Sent: 09-02-2022 14:04
From: Amanda Cadogan
Subject: Acoustic Shell?

Hello! I work at a tiny high school that has a theatre program, but no designated space. Last year we performed in the parking garage because it was open air, and had the best available acoustics. This year, I'd like to try performing indoors, but the spaces we have available to us have TERRIBLE acoustics. The music teacher and I are considering investing in an acoustic shell, and I'm wondering whether anyone has any experience with them. Alternately, if you have suggestions for making a space more acoustically viable for performance, I'd be grateful for your ideas! 

Many thanks,
Amanda

------------------------------
[Amanda] [Cadogan] [English and Theatre]
[Maybeck High School]
[Oakland] [CA]
------------------------------

Thanks, all! These responses were very helpful.

------------------------------
[Amanda] [Cadogan] [English and Theatre]
[Maybeck High School]
[Oakland] [CA]
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-05-2022 05:53
From: Jerry Onik
Subject: Acoustic Shell?

Everyone is correct, the acoustics change with the space, if you are constantly changing spaces, you will be reinventing the wheel every time you perform. I recommend attempting to find a permanent location that you can remain in.

------------------------------
Jerry Onik
V.P. Theatrical Supplies and Equipment
Heartland Scenic Studio
NE

Original Message:
Sent: 09-05-2022 02:22
From: Erich Friend
Subject: Acoustic Shell?

Acoustic problems can be very specific to an environment, so be cautious of generic advice to add specific materials to a room.  Solutions that are effective are tailored to the unique needs of each room and it's problems.  Too much sound absorption and the room can be difficult to hear in, not enough sound diffusion and the sound decays as a series of distinct echoes; diffusion and absorption neither one will solve noise issues (noise from air handlers, lighting ballasts, or sources outside of the room).  As Michael Johnson suggested, get an acoustical engineer that understands theatre (not all do) to asses the room and make recommendations.  PM me if you are interested.

------------------------------
Erich Friend
Theatre Consultant
Teqniqal Systems LLC

Original Message:
Sent: 09-02-2022 14:04
From: Amanda Cadogan
Subject: Acoustic Shell?

Hello! I work at a tiny high school that has a theatre program, but no designated space. Last year we performed in the parking garage because it was open air, and had the best available acoustics. This year, I'd like to try performing indoors, but the spaces we have available to us have TERRIBLE acoustics. The music teacher and I are considering investing in an acoustic shell, and I'm wondering whether anyone has any experience with them. Alternately, if you have suggestions for making a space more acoustically viable for performance, I'd be grateful for your ideas! 

Many thanks,
Amanda

------------------------------
[Amanda] [Cadogan] [English and Theatre]
[Maybeck High School]
[Oakland] [CA]
------------------------------

Thanks for your kind information :)

------------------------------
Frederick Harley
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-05-2022 02:22
From: Erich Friend
Subject: Acoustic Shell?

Acoustic problems can be very specific to an environment, so be cautious of generic advice to add specific materials to a room.  Solutions that are effective are tailored to the unique needs of each room and it's problems.  Too much sound absorption and the room can be difficult to hear in, not enough sound diffusion and the sound decays as a series of distinct echoes; diffusion and absorption neither one will solve noise issues (noise from air handlers, lighting ballasts, or sources outside of the room).  As Michael Johnson suggested, get an acoustical engineer that understands theatre (not all do) to asses the room and make recommendations.  PM me if you are interested.

------------------------------
Erich Friend
Theatre Consultant
Teqniqal Systems LLC

Original Message:
Sent: 09-02-2022 14:04
From: Amanda Cadogan
Subject: Acoustic Shell?

Hello! I work at a tiny high school that has a theatre program, but no designated space. Last year we performed in the parking garage because it was open air, and had the best available acoustics. This year, I'd like to try performing indoors, but the spaces we have available to us have TERRIBLE acoustics. The music teacher and I are considering investing in an acoustic shell, and I'm wondering whether anyone has any experience with them. Alternately, if you have suggestions for making a space more acoustically viable for performance, I'd be grateful for your ideas! 

Many thanks,
Amanda

------------------------------
[Amanda] [Cadogan] [English and Theatre]
[Maybeck High School]
[Oakland] [CA]
------------------------------