Totally agree with Eric. Even a "definitive guide" can't possibly address all the variables involved in a specific project. In addition to the ones listed above, you also have the physical location, shape, and characteristics of the land if it's new construction, or the physical condition, size and other characteristics of the building if it's a renovation. The timeframe and budget (and who's going to pay for it) also come into play.
A theatre consultant, in a case like yours, isn't an expense: it's an investment.
------------------------------
George F. Ledo
Set designer
www.setdesignandtech.wordpress.comwww.georgefledo.net------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 10-02-2024 04:25
From: Erich Friend
Subject: Planning Guide for theatres
Albeit guides are a good resource to help you wrap your head around the possibilities of a new facility or renovation of an existing facility, what you need is for the school and/or the architect to hire a qualified independent Theatre Consultant. Planning theatre spaces, and the production systems that go into them, is what independent consultants do. Don't be confused by sales people or vendors that call themselves 'consultants' on their business cards. They generally don't have the background or the broad knowledge to provide you comprehensive service. Theatre spaces are jam-packed with technical requirements, and may of them are in conflict with each-other and must be closely coordinated so they are not a problem down the road.
A good theatre consultant team serves many masters in the interest of getting you a working facility. Out of everything, the 'working facility' is the most important. Architects, Structural Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, and Interior Designers all have good intentions; however, almost none of them have a clue as to the day-to-day working functionality that an educational theatre plant needs. This is where a Theatre Consultant becomes important -- they coordinate all of the work of the Architectural design team with the intricacies of the operational needs and the technical tools need to teach and produce theatre, music, dance, and other types of presentations which the facility, staff, and students will be tasked to do.
A short list of elements (the real list is hundreds of pages when you get into the details -- and The Devil is in the Details!
- Sound Systems (sound reinforcement, production intercom, assistive listening, simultaneous interpreting, recording, live streaming, cinema playback)
- Room Acoustics (reverberation time, reverberation frequency balance, echo mitigation, orchestra shell canopies and side towers - this affects floor, walls, & ceilings)
- Noise Control (HVAC noise, exterior sound reductions, room-to-room sound isolation, door hardware, space planning for sound lock between spaces)
- Lighting (Production Lighting, House Lighting [including emergency egress illumination], work lighting onstage, in Shops, Dressing Rooms, Make-up Rooms, Catwalks, and Design Studios; Run-of-Show safety lighting)
- Video (Projection / Direct View display systems, program monitoring in Lobbies, Offices, and Backstage Support spaces; camera systems, Video Switching and Editing systems, Video Streaming systems, Video / Cinema Playback systems)
- Stage Rigging (machinery, access planning [fly galleries and gridiron decks], fire curtains, smoke vent systems, coordination with Lighting and Orchestra Shells, loudspeaker systems, display screens)
- Stage Draperies (Curtains, Scrims, Cycloramas, Acoustical tuning drapes, general masking drapes)
- Stage Floor Systems (sprung, yet durable stage floor, traps, pit covers, pit safety nets, pit lifts, portable risers)
- Specialty Spaces (seating layout and sightlines, control booth layouts, follow spotlight decks, general lobby and entrance planning, restroom layout guidance, Black Box Theatres, loading docks, dressing rooms, make-up rooms, costume shops, storage, music rooms, musical instrument storage, scenery shops, rehearsal rooms, classrooms, and catwalks)
- Coordination with Fire Alarm Systems for special theatrical requirements.
- Coordination with Electrical Systems for lighting, rigging, orchestra lift, and Sound/Video special power.
- Color Consulting for room finishes.
- Safety Consulting for specialty signage, markings, and fall protection for items that are unique to the theatre work environment.
Yeah, there is a lot to consider. If you expect your architect to get it right without help - you will be disappointed.
Feel free to reach-out to me if you want to discuss this more. I'm relatively close to Colorado, and all the world is a stage (that's why there is never enough storage space).
------------------------------
Erich Friend
Theatre Consultant
Teqniqal Systems LLC
Original Message:
Sent: 10-01-2024 20:55
From: Jason Watkins
Subject: Planning Guide for theatres
Hello! I am looking for a definitive guide for specs for new construction/ renovations for a theatre/ auditorium. Wenger has one but it primarily deals with sound. Anyone know of one that helps with specs for lighting, stage floors, etc?
NEW CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION RESOURCE FOR MUSIC EDUCATORS, FACILITY PLANNERS, ADMINISTRATORS AND ARCHITECTS
NEW CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION RESOURCE FOR MUSIC EDUCATORS, FACILITY PLANNERS, ADMINISTRATORS AND ARCHITECTS
------------------------------
Jason Watkins
Technical Director
Niwot High School
CO
------------------------------