American River College
Sacramento, California

Project Type: Renovation
Seat Count: 400
Construction Cost: $10.2 Million
Opening: 2007
Architect: HGA
AD Scope: Acoustics, Sound Isolation,
Noise Control

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The first phase of the 27,000 SF modernization and expansion of the Fine Arts Building consists of the complete renovation of the theater, adding a fly tower over the existing stage, new scene shop, recording studio, faculty office and practice rooms. The renovation also includes upgrade of mechanical and electrical systems.

The challenge in the Auditorium was to add a stage house to provide a significant improvement in the facility’s support of the theatre department, without further degrading the facility’s acoustical support of the music program, which would normally occur when adding a stage house. Improvements to the acoustics were accomplished by removing the ceiling and increasing the proscenium height. This provided a desired change/improvement in the room’s appearance, and also improved the acoustics for the school’s music programs.

The theater renovation includes a new orchestra pit and lift, new side stage space, a new stage house, a new seating arrangement, tunable acoustics, new cat walks, and technical levels. The existing wood roof was removed and steel structure replaced it. Sound and light locks were added and handicapped accessibility to all levels including technical. The lobby was expanded and a scene shop was added.