Successful design and completion of drama studios, dance venues, recital halls, theatres and opera houses requires specialist knowledge and skill and there are many failures, as well as successes, to be seen in the UK and around the world. A number of these projects will be analysed by experienced theatre architects, consultants and engineers in order to provide a perspective on the vital aspects of planning, designing and equipping buildings for performances. In addition to speakers from the UK and US, a number of specialists from Holland, Italy, India and Brazil are being invited in order to reflect other cultures and approaches.
A focus of this year¹s Conference will be the smaller venue; the drama theatre, dance studio or community or school venue, which has to provide flexible, uncomplicated facilities on a limited budget. In addition to the performance space, both the necessary level of equipment and backstage provision will be discussed.
The intention is to broaden the understanding of the difficulties that arise in creating even a small performance space and examine how they can be overcome. The Conference is planned to engender discussion and debate about what it takes to create a performance space that is endorsed by performers, audience and technicians alike. Alongside the planning and architectural considerations, aspects of sightlines, seating, acoustics, lighting, safety and machinery will be considered in detail.
The world¹s leading theatre equipment suppliers and many engineering firms will be in attendance and many consultants, technicians, managers and operational personnel will give their views. The topics to be covered in the 30 sessions include presentations on the essential groundwork on a new project, building on a budget and, in contrast, examination of the theatre planning and architecture of the new Copenhagen Opera House, the Wales Millennium Centre and the plans for the new Opera in Dallas.
Further information is available from Catherine Cooper Events, telephone: +44/0 20 7224 1410.
(Lee Baldock)
