Acentech's Studio A, a specialized acoustics, audiovisual systems design, and vibration consulting group for the performing arts, has completed three performing arts projects for Alfred University in Alfred, N.Y., a new 470-seat proscenium theater for the Miller Performing Arts Center; Lynn University in Boca Raton, The Wold Performing Arts Center., a 750-seat theater; and Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center in Stowe, Vt., a 420-seat hall.
Studio A consulted on the design of a new 470-seat proscenium theater for the Miller Performing Arts Center at Alfred University. Studio A worked to provide performers and patrons with an acoustical environment that beautifully serves events from drama and musical theater to music recitals. Working closely with Kallmann McKinnell & Wood Architects of Boston and David Weiss, theater consultant from Charlottesville, VA, Studio A consulted on the shaping and finishes of the theater, recommended variable acoustical treatments, and provided recommendations for sound isolation between adjacent spaces and from the outdoors. Studio A collaborated with the mechanical engineers to achieve suitably quiet background noise levels in both the theater and rehearsal spaces. Additionally, Studio A consultants designed a user-friendly sound system that would support even coverage and a high degree of intelligibility throughout the seating area, and ensured that the system maintained the architectural integrity of the space.
Studio A provided architectural acoustics design, mechanical systems noise control, and audiovisual systems design for Lynn University's newest state-of-the-art facility, the Wold Performing Arts Center. The new performance center includes a 750-seat theater, rehearsal space, scene shop, dressing rooms, green room, pre-function room, and other support spaces. The facility features superb acoustics, a modern lighting system, a large, light-filled lobby, and flexible space utilization that is well-suited for dramatic productions, concerts and other cultural events. Using a REVIT model to convey concepts, Studio A consultants collaborated with Newman Architects of New Haven, Connecticut and Theatre Consultants Collaborative of Chapel Hill, North Carolina to optimize the location of the audiovisual equipment while minimizing the impact to the architecture. Studio A designed the audiovisual system to perform flawlessly; it provides clear intelligible sound to each seat. The system can also be effortlessly reconfigured to meet the demands of the different types of productions.
The Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center in Stowe, Vermont opened in December 2010 with a series of concerts, including one by singer-songwriter James Taylor. Speaking from the stage to a full house, Mr. Taylor said of Stowe, "It's a great place to ski, and now a great place to play. Nice room." Studio A's thoughtful acoustical design and sophisticated audiovisual systems ensure that this 420-seat hall provides an intimate and inviting venue for a variety of music, dance, and theatre performances, as well as lecture and video presentations and cinematic screenings. The hall is particularly well suited to unamplified and lightly amplified music performance, and its sound system is carefully tuned to work with the natural acoustics of the space to provide a rich and clear sound. Studio A's acoustical designs included noise control for mechanical systems, resulting in a very quiet room with a warm, supportive sound that is spacious and enveloping without excessive reverberation. Studio A worked with Kallmann McKinnell and Wood Architects of Boston to create this performing arts center.
"The performing arts require excellent listening conditions for the performer and the audience, making acoustics a critical element in the design and functionality of a theater or concert venue," said Benjamin Markham, LEED AP, senior consultant of Acentech and director of Studio A. "Studio A is proud of its successful collaboration with the design teams in these high quality performance facilities."
About Acentech's Studio A
Studio A is a specialized consulting group of Acentech Inc., dedicated to providing world-class acoustical, audiovisual systems design, and vibration control for the performing arts. With over 60 years of consulting heritage, Studio A's integrated approach and multi-disciplinary capabilities enable it to create the best acoustical conditions possible in support of the art of the performance - beautiful sound, state-of-the-art audiovisual systems, and a quiet backdrop unencumbered by noise or vibration from building systems or external sources. For more information about Studio A, please visit www.AcentechStudioA.com.