cance. This concept; a park where VIsitors could experience all the arts stood as the goal. The original plan for a theatre called for an outdoor site which would use the slope of the escarpment as a natural rake for the seating placement. As plans proceeded, Childs designed that outdoor pageant theatre. As enthusiasm for the basic idea grew, the vision of the State representatives increased almost in geometric progression. Finally, a performing arts auditorium, which would accommodate large audiences and major performing troupes became the goal. At this point, problems began for the Artpark Theatre. Although a site change was effected, too much actual work on the theatre had been initiated for a completely new design to be considered. The concept of the theatre was blown out of all proportion in the mind's of its planners to a point where it was now referred to as the "Artistic Cornerstone" of the park. Childs choose to keep the basic plan of the pageant theatre while enclosing the stage and house in a weatherproof shell (Figure 8). A 2400 seat theatre was designed. Included were four huge electronically -controlled doors wh ich serve as the backwall of the theatre (Figure 9); when these doors are raised, an additional 1500 people can be accommodated on the seating lawn behind the theatre (Figure 8). The natural rake of the site continues the rake of the house. Louvered walls on the sides of the theatre open and close to control ventilation. Lobby areas are actually terraced entrances to the theatre. From the terraces a magnificent view of the Gorge serves as a backdrop. Brightly painted structural steel outl ines the skeleton of the bu ildi ng, while the stage house and backstage areas are faced in a brick which matches the local earth colors (Figure 10). TO 'IAGARA FALLS ~ ~ ~ ~f-'-- .' / ----~-:.----- ===--:.: =- -:'---:sIiE~P2J:k~~~ Fig. 8 - Artpark Site Plan. Fig. 9 - Artpark Theatre with the Niagara River and Canada in the background. Note seating lawn at leh. USITT THEATRE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY FALL,1975 15