Dear Kathy,

I can't think of the perfect performance space in existence, but I have ideas
for the dream space.

If you are going to have any dance, you must have a good floor, something that
will give so the dancers don't hurt themselves. Wooden floors are traditional,
though there might be better suggestions from dance companies.

Have enough power for a serious sound and lighting system that can be controlled
remotely by a computer system. There are many technical gadgets that will help a
space be as versatile as possible, like a video projector, two slide projectors,
rear screen projection, etc.

To get visitors to come, don't have just one entrance that is closed once the
show begins. Have an alternative in the back or somewhere else to allow for
flow.  We had a great space at the Museum of Science once that had open doorways
on either side of the stage.

If you can, have the space located where visitors could enter it without going
through exhibition halls. This way you can have night shows, etc. without
opening the museum necessarily.

In order to have assembly (300-500 seats) as well as smaller, more intimate
shows(75-100 seats), set up some moveable walls, as they do in conference
centers. That might also give you two spaces to work in at the same time.

Have a dressing room and bathroom with shower backstage.

The shape of the stage can vary from 'in the round' to traditional proscenium. A
3/4 Thrust stage is somewhere in between the two.  You have a backstage area
with curtain, but also something closer to the audience.


Does anyone out there on the list have more suggestions for the perfect
performance area?  Let's create our dream space with no money or space problems!


I hope this helps you Kathy.  Good luck.

Yours,
Catherine Hughes
Museum of Science &
International Museum Theatre Alliance
Science Park, Boston, MA 02114