FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY CAN'T MY TECHNICAL DIRECTOR TAKE CARE OF THE THEATRICAL SYSTEMS?
It is not uncommon to hear this sentiment voiced “. . . we work in the theater every day - - we know what we want - - why do we need to hire a consultant?” Doesn’t the technical director know about the stage layout? Don’t the scenic, lighting, costume, and sound designers know their needs? Doesn’t the House Manager know what is needed in the lobby? Well, yes they do. They all know about working in a theater. They all know how to “put on a show”. What they may not know is how to “put on a building.” Although there are similarities between the two, there are also significant differences.
WHY SHOULD I HIRE THEATER DESIGN?
We are versed in the day-to-day operations of a theater and the architectural design process followed to design a theater. We are your advocate during the design process and the member of the design team (architect, engineers, and other consultants) are cognizant of the unique requirements of a performing arts facility. Theater Design works with you and the architect to design the type of audience/stage configuration, sightlines, backstage layout, and other ancillary spaces. We design the theatrical systems and provide the architect and engineers with the information they need to properly incorporate the theatrical systems into the building.
WHY DO I NEED A THEATER CONSULTANT WHEN THE ARCHITECT IS DESIGNING THE BUILDING?
The architect has overall responsibility for the design of the theater, but works with a team of consultants [electrical, mechanical, structural, theater consultant, etc] each of who has specific experience and expertise. Unlike other building types, which do the exact same thing for the life of the building, a theater may see some activities very often and others infrequently. The frequency of activities will fluctuate continually. An infrequent activity in an office building may be precluded but a theater needs to function in all aspects; at all times. In other words: when you need to do something, you NEED to do it! We are aware of the day-to-day operations of all types of theaters and will insure that necessary activities are not precluded
WHEN SHOULD I HIRE THEATER DESIGN?
To get maximum value, we should be involved as early as possible. This allows us to participate in the birth of your project: to understand its genesis and how best to shepherd its growth and development.