Woolly Mammoth Theatre
Washingtom, D.C.

Seat Count: 265
Project type: New Construction
Opening: Spring 2005
Client: Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
Architect: McInturff Architects
AD Scope: Acoustics & Audio


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The goal of Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company is to ignite an explosive engagement between theatre artists and the community by developing, producing and promoting new plays that explore the edges of theatrical style and human experience, and by implementing new ways to use the artistry of theatre to serve the people of Greater Washington, DC.

The design of the theatre (30,000 square feet over three levels, adjacent to two outdoor courtyards) stresses visual intimacy, by providing a very tight multi-level seating plan. This helps to provide an acoustically exciting and intimate environment, which will also enhance Woolly's productions.

To further enhance the acoustical quality and intimacy of the theatre, the mechanical system was designed to be totally silent. A simple yet clever air distribution system was developed, using all open-ended ducts (no diffusers) that shoots air horizontally out and down from the catwalk level.

The primary acoustical challenge of this project relates to the fact that the entire theatre complex is built into a residential development. There are outdoor spaces and residences located directly above the theatre, a parking garage directly underneath the theatre, and a loading dock adjacent to the theatre. Complete room-in-room construction was not feasible, owing to severe cost restraints.

We worked closely with the theatre's technical staff to develop a flexible sound and communication system to meet this theatre company's unique needs, and to balance these needs with a limited budget. The focus of the design was on infrastructure, with the opportunity to expand the system in the future, as further funding becomes available.

In July 2006, this project received the AIA Architecture Honor award.