Theatre Design & Technology - Spring 1975 - 10

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Figure 6. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Sarasota, Florida. Plan, upper level.

Adjustable draperies in the rear transverse and
side wall positions provide sound absorbent materials
for accommodation to the varying conditions of
performance, as well as to variations of room volume.
The acoustical concert shell is attached to front and
rear walls of the stage in such a way as to be readily
dropped and folded into position when needed
(Figure 3). The ceiling sections are motor operated,
under control from the stage manager's console,
while the side walls of the shell are formed by folding
units attached to the stage wall and simply pivoted
into their proper operating position. The total set-up
time is from 30-45 minutes.
Overall stage dimensions are approximately 96'
wide x 38' deep (the shell structure, fixed in its
folded position on the up-stage wall, reduced that
depth to 32', however). Beyond the stage right wall
is the receiving room and stage-level storage area providing approximately 450 sq. ft. with an 8' x 8'
door opening to the stage. A single dressing room
and the Greenroom are located beyond the stage left
wall. On that same side - to the front, and a half
level higher - are located the business office and
box office, both opening to the entrance lobby (and
with the box office also opening a window to the
exterior).
Large group
dressing rooms
basement level
room - as are

dressing rooms and four individual
of generous size are located at the
(Figure 4), all centered on the trap
the two Musician's rooms, both of

which have direct access to the orchestra pit
stairwells. The costume room is located at this level
in such a way as to have ready access to all dressing
rooms and to the stairwell for passage to the stage.
Mechanical equipment for the building is isolated
beyond the rear stage wall at basement level, thus
reducing the likelihood of noise problems, while
making that equipment more readily available to
maintenance personnel.
Offices for the Managing Director are located on
an upper level beyond the stage right wall, while the
Business and Stage Manager's offices are at the
same level but beyond the opposite stage wall.
The entrance lobby, located along the midposition of the audience right seating area, opens to
a canopied walkway on the rim of a handsome
circular entrance drive. A similar but smaller exit
lobby on the opposite side of the building leads the
audience out toward the parking area. Beneath the
upper third of the auditorium seating area and placed
symmetrically on the building's center is the Grand
Foyer, a fine large space for social gatherings. The
glass outer wall opens to a garden terrace flanked
with trees and shrubs and affording a splendid view
of the Sarasota Bay just beyond. A large concession
area is located to one side, while enclosed serving
areas provide a conven ient and pleasant extension of
that service to the side lobby areas. Restrooms and a
first aid station are located to the foyer rear. Flights
of steps lead from both sides of the Grand Foyer to

THEATRE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

SPRING. 1975

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Theatre Design & Technology - Spring 1975