Horace Mann college preparatory day school commissioned a new 630-seat theatre to support their impressive and extensive music and theatre arts program. The theatre has a full stage house designed for professional level productions and touring acts.

While the theatre was designed to meet the needs of the school's theatre program, it was anticipated that the facility would also be used periodically for some of the school's music productions. A number of design features allow for improved accommodation of music performance without compromising theatre.

For example, the extensive roof height over the theatre was required for architectural aesthetics and music support, but was detrimental to theatre acoustics. AD designed ceiling elements coordinated with the technical catwalk level of the theatre. An acoustically transparent proscenium allows coupling of the volume between the ceiling and the roof, producing a more reverberant acoustic to support music performance. Retractable curtains allow the acoustics to be quickly and easily adjusted for either musical or theatrical performances.

AD advised on the development of a simple low-cost HVAC system that is inaudible even at the quietest moments of a production. This ability for silence provides the artistry for creating magical and unforgettable moments that draw the audience and performers together.

AD's left/center/right audio system design supports visiting artists as well as student productions. Oversized control booth areas facilitate student training and instruction.

We also incorporated a high degree of a/v interconnectivity with the existing campus and new classrooms, one of the key directives for the facility.