This can be a loaded question....
What are they truly asking of you? Do they just want your input on your day-to-day classroom space, or do they want your input on the entire building?
If it is just the classroom you want to see how to get involved with the building design team or the theatrical consultants designing the building, generate a weighted wish list of priority of what to have vs. what to cut due to budget requirements. Please understand that equipment and square footage are expensive and a balancing act vs. the entire building cost.
As for your classroom is it just a classroom? Is it a box theater? Is it your make-up area and greenroom? to determine this the overall building would need to be reviewed to answer this question. Does your space need to act as storage during shows and concerts?
How much space is available for your classroom needs, or do you reduce the stage size and shop to make what you want practical for your use.
Have justifications of what you want, we currently have X amount of students, in the next 20 years we hope/anticipate to have x many so the space is not outgrown before requiring update for the next 20 years.
Thats my 2 cents from being involved in this process in the past, be involved, know what you need vs. what you want! weight out what is worth keeping at the expense of other items on your list.
Good Luck in your process.
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Jerry Onik
V.P. Theatrical Supplies and Equipment
Heartland Scenic Studio
NE
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-22-2024 10:54
From: Katie Soper
Subject: Classroom Design
Hello! My school is beginning to make plans for a new Fine Arts building and they have asked for ideas/suggestions from teachers for individual classrooms. I have a general idea of my needs, but I was curious if any other theatre educators had classroom designs/aspects/elements they have found to work extremely well. Any suggestions that you have would be greatly appreciated! I've included some of the specifics they've asked about below:
- Seating (kind and amount)
- Storage (kind and size)
- Sound Equipment / Other Technical Equipment
- Flooring
- Style of classroom (if applicable)
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Katie Soper
Middle and Upper School Theatre Director
St. Andrew's School
GA
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