Performance spaces in K-12 facilities add an essential dimension to learning experiences. Because these spaces often require large amounts of square footage, it is essential to create effective designs that provide the most impact.
At the outset of a project, it may be necessary to justify the functions and amount of square footage needed for performance space and ancillary areas. Programs for theater, dance, and music typically use the most space.
Research shows that performing arts education and performance space enhances student learning and personal development. R.J. Marzano, D.J. Pickering, and J.E. Pollock, in Classroom Instruction that Works published in 2001, said that student involvement in performing arts programs brings about increased problem-solving and social skills, creativity, and academic prowess.
Research published in 2016 by M. Hogenes, B. van Oers, R.F. Diekstra, and M. Sklad in the International Journal of Music Education concluded that positive interpersonal skills and social development are strongly linked with performing arts education. Common learning themes associated with theater and performance include opportunities to develop a student’s creativity, on-stage confidence, public speaking skills, and comprehension of literature and history. Students develop collaboration skills that can carry over to life skills in their careers.
School-to-community connections are enhanced through performance spaces. Schools generate revenue through ticketed events and rentals to outside groups. Typical rental requirements include technology and design components that enable live streaming, recording, acoustic/electric performances, and voiced presentations.
Additional criteria for renting may include the need for auditorium full-fly space, an orchestra pit, dressing/makeup rooms, and controls technology. Although these features increase initial construction costs, the expense is an investment that can be offset through well-scheduled rental operations.
Design elements
When designing an auditorium, the shape of the house is strategic. Calculations of width, length, and height are critical for maximized sightlines, acoustics, and comfort. Sightline studies are essential for determining proper house depth, floor slope, arch/angle layout of seating, and stage height and depth. Also, will a proscenium arch, traverse, thrust, in-the-round, or black box be the most advantageous for the school and community?
Auditorium house support areas typically include side stages, crossover, apron, orchestra pit, and control booth. Utility areas include scene set construction space, prop/costume storage, trap room, and catwalk system. Backstage space includes a green room, dressing and makeup space, and performer restrooms. Support areas include a box office, concessions stand, restrooms, and lobby.
Site design considerations include providing sufficient nearby parking, universal accessibility, exterior lighting, way-finding signage, and loading dock access to scene set and music areas. Performance and practice spaces beyond the auditorium frequently include a black box, music/dance rehearsal hall, presentation learning stairs, theater commons, recording studio, and outdoor amphitheater.
Specialty considerations
When designing theater lighting, rigging equipment, sound systems, ventilation systems, and mixing board components, expertise is needed from product design specialists. Decisions regarding provisions for a full/partial fly, seating, stage-type, acoustics, floor level, accessibility, and space divisibility require guidance from specialized designers.
Performance space designs may incorporate multiple considerations. Learning labs, classrooms, and makerspaces should be designed for presentation—consider acoustics, technology, floor slope, movable walls, and garage doors to support this function. Cafetoriums and auditerias may be designed to serve dining functions as well as performance activities—exercise caution designing these spaces since results can be marginal for either function.
