Armstrong-Hipkins Center for
the Arts
Blairstown, New Jersey

Seat count: 500
Project Type: New Construction
Opening: February 1998
Architects: Olhausen & DuBois
Theater Consultant: Theatre Projects
AD Scope: Acoustics

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The Armstrong-Hipkins Center for the Arts features a 500-seat multi-purpose theater with working stage. The center also includes a flexible 100-seat Studio theater, a music rehearsal room, dance classroom, music practice rooms, and support spaces.

The building was designed primarily in support of the teaching activities of the music and drama departments of the Blair Academy, but is also used by touring artists. Responsive room acoustics, quiet background noise levels, and excellent sound isolation between spaces permits simultaneous use of all facilities without compromise. The main DuBois Theater has received high praise for its acoustics in performance by amplified jazz ensembles, unamplified classical music groups, and theatrical performance.

AD provided full-scope acoustics consulting services from programming and concept design through opening. We worked closely with the design team to integrate acoustical elements into the design of each space at the earliest phase of the design process to ensure excellence in acoustics within the defined budget. For example, the shape, volume, finishes, and air distribution system serving the music rehearsals room were developed to enhance the acoustics of both choral and instrumental groups within the restrains imposed by space and budget. In the main theater, the coupling between the stage and house seating area was enhanced through development of a proscenium "eyebrow" which also serves to support music performance from the orchestra pit.