Performing-arts centers can provide benefits at the high school and collegiate levels, and administrators can take steps now to get the show started. When a new performing-arts center comes to town, local businesses profit. Events and performances draw visitors to the community. Ideally, a performing-arts center will play many roles: entertainment…

Describes technical specifications required in designing theatre spaces for high intelligibility of speech. (CH)

Presents several lighting systems appropriate in size and cost for smaller stages and complets an analysis with production notes explaining in detail lighting projection and design techniques. Contents include--(1) equipment specifications, (2) lighting the actor, (3) light on backgrounds, (4) techniques involving light, (5) design and the quality…

Outlines the requirements for an effective outdoor theatre installation, noting specific production considerations and techniques. See CS 703 531 for availability. (MH)

A national volunteer program for producing a children's theater in elementary schools is severaly limited by the inadequacy of theater facilities in local school systems. A general discussion of the theater program is presented, the current state of theater facilities in elementary schools, difficulties in play production, and possible causes for…

AS&U interviews architect Edward Larrabee Barnes, who discusses two basic mistakes made by high schools and colleges in planning performing arts facilities. He explains that (1) they try to build flexibility into formal theaters and (2) they emphasize loads of seating, but leave little space for experimental work. (Author)

Discusses the importance of thorough research when considering construction of a campus performing arts center, including retaining an acoustical consultant or acoustician to recommend a similar center and guide a tour. Offers the example of the Southwest Iowa Arts Center located on the campus of Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs.…

Theatrical revolution symbolized by the open stage is discussed. The mere absence of the proscenium arch can insure no more than an architectural modification. Any genuine and lasting artistic liberation must come with the attitudes guiding the use of the stage. The only valid principles are those which can point gently toward contemporary…

Photographs and a brief discussion of how the Morris R. Williams Center for the Arts fulfills design requirements comprise this description of a building competed in 1983. (MJL)

A complete statement on "the open stage" which will prove of value to architects, consulting engineers and school administrators in the construction of college, community and school auditorium theaters. Directors and teachers of drama should find this booklet a practical source of advanced technical knowledge in their field. The…

This course guide for teachers is intended to provide experiences for secondary students in illumination and lighting for a drama production. Performance objectives listed for the students include: (1) setting up a lighting diagram for a one-scene show and a two- or multiple-scene production; (2) wiring and setting up equipment for a one-scene…

BUILDING DESIGNS WHICH HAVE BEEN SIGNIFICANT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DIVISIBLE AUDITORIUM AND THEATER AND THE FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS OF THE MULTI-PURPOSE FACILITY WERE REVIEWED. WHILE NOT A COMPREHENSIVE COLLECTION OF DIVISIBLE FACILITIES, THE INSTALLATIONS REPORTED ON ARE THOSE THAT APPEAR TO BE LANDMARKS IN THE EVOLUTION OF THE MULTI-USE…

DISCUSSES FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED DURING SCHOOL PLANNING STAGES REGARDING NOISE LEVELS AND ACOUSTIC DESIGN IMPLICATIONS. FACTORS ARE--(1) A STAGE HOUSE IS DETRIMENTAL TO ORCHESTRAS, BANDS, CHORUSES, LECTURES, ASSEMBLIES, RECITALS, AND CERTAIN DRAMAS AND SPEECH-MUSIC PERFORMANCES. SUGGESTED IS AN AUDITORIUM WITH AUDIENCE AND PERFORMING PLATFORM…

Building designs which have been significant in the development of the divisible auditorium and theater and the fundamental concepts of the multi-purpose facility were reviewed. While not a comprehensive collection of divisible facilities, the installations reported on are those that appear to be landmarks in the evolution of the multi-use…

Facilities for the performing arts are examined as to associated problems and possible design solutions. Also included are auditoriums which may not be directly related to theater functions but have similar problems and needs. Existing facilities serve as a basis for the subsequent critical analysis of certain areas and development of optimal…