What We Do

Theatrica provides consulting for a variety of venue types and applications. Through careful planning and design, nearly any outcome that is desired by the client can be achieved. We may be retained to provide any combination of the services we provide. Take a look below at the types of venues we typically work with and further down the page the types of services and systems that we specify for these spaces.
Good buildings come from good people, and all problems are solved by good design.
~ Stephen Gardiner

Types of Venues

We provide services for all types of performance and assembly spaces. Some of the more common venue types include:

Performance Spaces

Our specialty is working in all types of performance spaces including theaters, performing arts halls, multi-purpose auditoriums, black box theaters, dance studios, concert halls, recital halls, and more.

Assembly Spaces

We work in all types of assembly spaces including multi-purpose auditoriums, lecture halls, civic meeting halls, and more.

Worship Spaces

We work in worship spaces of all types and have respect for all faiths including modern to traditional spaces, from small chapels to large sanctuaries and temples.

Event Spaces

We work in all types of event spaces including convention centers, event centers, sports arenas, and more.

Outdoor Spaces

We work in outdoor performance and assembly spaces including amphitheaters, concert lawns, event pavilions, and more.

Hospitality Spaces

We work in hospitality spaces including ballrooms, meeting rooms, events rooms, and other public spaces.

Consulting Services

Theatrica provides various consulting services for various types of venue spaces. Some of the types of services we provide and systems we specify are the following:
What is design? It's where you stand with a foot in two worlds — the world of technology and the world of people and human purposes — and you try to bring the two together.
~ Mitchell Kapor

Space Planning & Infrastructure Consulting

Layout, sizing, and arrangement of spaces within a performing arts and assembly venues are crucial to the success of those venues. Careful planning ensures that the spaces are located and sized to allow for an efficient venue that will accommodate the technical, performing, and audience requirements such as catwalks, stage house, control rooms, dressing rooms, green rooms, equipment rooms, etc. We also provide sight line studies and recommendations based on those studies to ensure that both staff and audience has proper, unobstructed views within the space.

Room Acoustics

The proper shaping, location, selection of surface finishes, and construction methods within a room can create an environment that is aurally and aesthetically pleasing, while providing proper reflection and control of acoustics within the space.

Sound Reinforcement Systems

A sound reinforcement system should be designed to enhance a performance, not distract from it. The system should be clear and intelligible allowing for enjoyment and understanding of all the audience, regardless of where they are seated in the venue. Coverage that is even and natural sounding to the audience is important for any type of performance or presentation.

Lighting Systems

Stage and specialty lighting systems are critical in the performing arts facility. Since many venues are not dedicated to just one type of performance or presentation, a high-performance system that will provide flexibility to all illumination needs is required including proper control, dimming, power distribution, location, and lighting instruments.

Rigging Systems

Our firm exemplifies expertise in all methods of theatrical rigging from conventional counterweight systems to the most sophisticated motorized systems with intelligent, computerized control. The rigging system provides hoisting for many stage elements including draperies, scenery, lighting, and orchestra clouds. Rigging systems are always specified with full function and safety in mind.

Fire Curtain Systems

In larger proscenium style theaters, building codes often require a fire safety curtain. This "curtain" is a fire-rated barrier that closes automatically when activated, separating the audience chamber from the stage house. Depending on stage house and proscenium sizes, code requires one of several styles of fire curtains.

Pipe Grids

A pipe grid system is a versatile and economical method of providing hanging points over a performance or studio space. The pipe grid is used particularly in spaces such as black box theaters, television studios, and dance studios. The pipe grid, consisting of a series of intersecting black pipe typically extends the full width and depth of an area from which any arrangement of stage lighting, draperies, audio equipment, and scenery may be hung.

Tension Grids

Typically more versatile than standard catwalks, tension grids are extremely versatile and safe platforms with walking surfaces constructed of interwoven wire rope on which technicians can work above a spaces such as stages, studios, and event floors in a safe and convenient manner. Virtually invisible to the audience during performances, tension grids allow for rigging elements to pass through, access to sound system loudspeakers above, and allow for access to and passage of stage lighting through the grid with no perceivable shadow to the stage or area below.

Orchestra Shells

For stage spaces that host musical performances such as orchestra, symphony, band, and choral music, an Orchestra Shell is of great importance. Orchestra shells capture and reflect the acoustical sound of the performance into the audience that would otherwise be lost into the fly space and curtains above the stage. We work closely with the orchestra shell manufacturers and architects to specify an orchestra shell that is both acoustically and visually pleasing to the audience.

Orchestra Lifts & Stage Machinery

Because performance spaces today usually find themselves host for many different types of performances, these venues often require orchestra lifts, pit filler systems, and rotating stages to accommodate a variety of styles and needs.

Curtains & Tracks

Draperies in a performance space not only add aesthetic impact, but also provides required function as well. The proper sizing and location of curtains in a stage house provides proper sight line masking for both offstage and over-stage areas. Other draperies such as cycloramas, scrims, and travelers, provide for various stage effects.

Communications Systems

Communication between members of the technical staff, house staff, and performers is critical for a successful performance. A technical communication system can be provided in facilities for clear communication between all parties involved in delivering a performance.

Projection & AV/Multi-Media Systems

Many performance spaces include the use of projection systems in their repertoire of technical abilities. It is now common for performers to include multi-media elements such as video or other forms of projection in their performances. For these systems to be effective they must be specified with acceptable sight lines, unobtrusive lighting, and proper picture size in addition to being integrated with other control systems.

Video Distribution, Recording, and Digital Signage Systems

A video distribution system can greatly enhance the experience within venues by providing live video from fixed and portable cameras for viewing of the performance by patrons in public spaces such as lobbies, by performers and technicians in dressing rooms and backstage, and outside of the venue via internet streaming and connection to local television stations. The live performance may be recorded for archival purposes or future viewing. A signage content system is often included to display signage content on the displays before, after, and between performances or events.

Recording & Studio Systems

It is common for larger performance spaces to provide recording capabilities for its users. A comprehensive recording system can be specified based on consultation and assessment of expected needs and requirements of the client. Recording systems types can range from the most basic to professional quality recordings.

Audience Seating

Common to all performance and assembly venues is seating, whether fixed, telescopic, or portable. Beyond various sizes, styles, and levels of quality, we work with leading seat manufacturers to provide a seating layout to accomplish a variety of seating arrangements.

Dance & Specialty Flooring

Specialty flooring is a necessity in certain performance spaces such as fully functional performance stages and dance studios. We work closely with the project architect to specify proper stage flooring and with manufacturers to specify permanent, portable, or modular dance floors.