[SML] more theatre design thoughts...

[Bill Conner]

Emotionally, maybe Stratford Ontario but probably the Old Globe -
especially when the production is original practices.  Objectively,
there are a lot of fine spaces built in last 20 years.  I like the
small spaces with furthest seat 5 or 6 rows from stage and primarily
supporting drama, I certainly can respect the values and priorities of
places like the New World Center, or road houses like the Overture
Center in Madison, or simpler spaces like the renovated Washington
Arena and the Egg next to it.  The Wylie and Cerritos kind of leave me
cold but I appreciate the bold thinking - just think it lost sight of
the mission of supporting performing arts.  And I'm biased in favor of
the actor and audience relationships and support over technical
facilities.

Worst - legions of high school auditoriums designed by people that had
no clue as to what the issues are in designing auditoriums and stages,
didn't know they didn't know, and have consequently turned off
millions of students from ever being interested in or appreciating the
performing arts. A pox upon those people and whomever aided and
abetted them.


-- 
Bill Conner Fellow of the ASTC