A theatre or performance venue is a unique learning environment on an academic campus. It is an unrivaled platform for creative expression, active participation and exposure to new and exciting ideas and experiences. It provides students with the opportunity to practice and perform in a facility of professional standards while also offering a space to engage community members in cultural programs. With the diversity in theatre and music program offerings, it’s important to start the design process by thinking about the variety of performances the space will need to support, from solo performers on stage to larger ensemble performances.

Theatre design starts by thinking about the relationship between performers and audience members. Intimacy often creates connections that engage those on stage with those in the seats. The goal, even with a large theatre, is to design the interior of the theatre with clear views of the stage and close proximity of audience members to allow young performers to succeed.

Flexibility in the design process is a key component in planning a venue that can adapt to a variety of performances. An innovative technical solution can often allow for increased utilization of the space by encouraging versatility.

GUND is working with JaffeHolden and Theatre Consultants Collaborative on a design that explores the use of stage extensions to allow for different stage configurations and to accommodate different sized groups of performers. When mechanically raised, the extension is flush with the stage, creating a larger performance area to accommodate a large orchestra or even a movement intensive dance performance. This allows for larger groups of performers to be on stage together while also bringing the audience closer to the stage. When lowered flush with the floor, the stage extension disappears and creates space for additional seating. Depending on the design, it can also be lowered below floor height to accommodate an orchestra pit.

Theatre size is often based on the seating capacity needed for larger events, which can make smaller events feel uncomfortable and may feel poorly attended as audience members are dispersed throughout the auditorium. Seating arrangement and lighting can be used to influence audience spread and is a friendlier approach to physically blocking sections of seating. This low-cost strategy gives audience members a subtle cue as to where they should seat themselves by positioning lighting to highlight a smaller section of seating. For example, using lighting to highlight the first group of rows in the main floor section of the auditorium can provide a cozier theatre experience for audience members at a small performance. This helps the audience feel more engaged in the performance and gives the students on stage more confidence as they learn to connect with the audience.