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Analysis
of Existing Space
Program
for Reconfiguration
Scope
of Proposal (solutions)
Problems
and Questions
Drawings
Plan
view of existing configuration
Plan
view of proposed configuration
Composite
plan view of theater and lobby
Isometric
view of theater with sample set
Sketch
of proposed entry from Lot Q
| ANALYSIS OF EXISTING
CONFIGURATION OF THE RING SPACE
|
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| Present Uses: | classroom for mime, movement, acting,
& directing.
semi produced directing projects fully produced projects. warm up space guest speakers & readings meetings teleconferences visiting performing artists |
| Plate
A:
Plan View of Existing Configuration |
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| Problems with the existing arrangement: | arena staging is a highly specialized
configuration.
arena staging is difficult for beginning directors and performers. visiting performing artists consistently have problems with the space. The Ring performance space is so fundamentally different and they must substantially adapt and restage their work to fit the space. only 50% of the audience capacity can be used for speakers, presentations and discussions. there is no "backstage" area. acoustics as actors are "facing away" present difficulty creating a set / furniture arrangements in a circular space is a problem audience access to seating can be a problem as the audience must enter into the performing space in order to reach their seats. it is confusing to audiences not to have clearly delineated and consistent patterns of entrance and exit (emergency exits) Handicap access is not available from the main lobby but is only available from the loading dock driveway. |
PROGRAM
For RECONFIGURATION
The number of seats should remain approximately the same. A large open area must remain for class use, of at least the size of the present acting area. To provide a structure for a more fully produced production requiring minimal scenic material. Limited flexibility
for presentations and lectures there should be a standard configuration which will maximize audience seating and focus. To provide the student directors, actors and designers a theatrical configuration and structure that approximates theaters that they will encounter upon graduation. To create discreet audience and backstage areas. Increased backstage space provides accessible storage for classroom properties and equipment hidden and not intruding into the audience areas. Audience access to the Scales Fine Arts Center. The majority of events happen at night, and the changes to the campus traffic plan mean the majority of the off campus visitors come from the direction of parking lot Q. From this approach there is no defined entrance to the building, particularly at night. People tend to use the closest entrance,a stairwell rather than an entry, down 4 steps, and through a dark stairwell before entering the lobby. From this point there are additional stairs to down to the Ring Theater or up two more to lobby levels. This is a problem for handicapped patrons as well as less than desirable from an aesthetic consideration. |
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The following is a study for a possible configuration of the Ring theater. It is by no means a definitive solution for the space, but rather an initial exploration of one configuration. A main criterion in the development of this proposal is its feasibility. Thus this study is based on as built preliminary measurements, considering all of the existing structures and generally maintaining the existing confines of the building. A common sense approach to structure, exits, codes and handicap access has been taken but is subject to change as required. |
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| Plate
B:
Plan view of Proposed Configuration. Click on Diagram to enlarge Plate. Plate D: Isometric of Sample Unit Set. Click on Diagram to enlarge Plate. |
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| Audience Configuration: | After a number of explorations and discussions
among the theater faculty, one arrangement emerged as embodying the qualities
of the existing space and solving the major problems. This arrangement
features audience seating along five sides of the octagon which reflect
the shape of the space.
The center section incorporates a row at walkway level to accommodate handicapped spaces and patrons not wishing to use the stairs. The aisles of the center sections fall at the angle intersections. This choice takes advantage of a potentially awkward intersection of the sections. The other intersection is broken up by a pair of actors vomitory entrance from the ground level. This plan focuses a majority of the seats in the front position, as the center section has five rows, the middle sides have 4 rows and the side seats 3 rows. This pattern maintains the sense of audience intimacy while providing a greater proportion of "good" seats, important for a lecture or presentation. The projected height difference between the rows is approximately 18 inches with two steps between each row. This distance bridges the height of the walkway and the stage. |
| Audience Capacity: | The projected audience seating in this arrangement is 132, compared with the 124 in the current arrangement. There would be provision to add 24 more seats on the floor for a non-theatrical presentation. |
| Walkway: | The major element in this exploration
of the Ring space is a elevated walkway around the internal perimeter of
the space. A floor level runway exists in the current configuration of
the Ring. Problems with the existing arrangement which contribute to its
ineffective use of space, presently shared by the public for access and
by actors and crew for storage and backstage use are addressed by elevating
this walkway.
The raised walkway provides for audience space behind the seating, access to seats and exits, without intruding on the performance space. A wall and/ or railing combination will permit standing room and provide a barrier to avoid interruption to the audience. This feature might provide a possible location for acoustical and decorative treatment. The walkway would continue around the "stage" section of the auditorium, with a different treatment of railing. |
| Raising Lobby Level | The height of the existing Ring Theater lobby should be raised to the height of the walkway. This level approximately matches the outside level of the sidewall and the final height of the mainstage lobby. In this proposal, there are three new new doors for the theater. A new main double door would be created in the SE wall. In addition, two emergency exits would be created on the NE wall which is close to grade, and on the SW wall which would connect with the back staircase by the loading dock. |
| Plate:
C
Composite of Theater & Lobby |
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| New Lobby & Entrance | A new lobby and entrance should be considered
that would create and inviting entry to the building at grade level. I
have done a rough spatial study of creating a steel and glass foyer which
would provide a well illuminated defined entry. Any alteration of the exterior
would need to address the architectural integrity of the building.  |
| Orientation: | This study is aligned along the NW to SE axis of the ring. This axis was selected because in places the existing support structures in the most logical configuration. The audience entrance in the SE section of the rooms is opposite the stage. The doors to the scene shop allow unimpeded access to the acting area, between the audience and the stage structure. While the space is approximately a hexagon, there are some variations for structural reasons. The drawbacks with this orientation, stem primarily from the fact that the space is not perfectly symmetrical along this axis. The major structure of the lighting catwalks and of the traps in the floor run on a diagonal to this proposed axis. |
| Stage Configuration: | The stage space that remains is approximately a 29 foot square, with actor access from the vomitory on the downstage corners, at the ends of the side sections of audience, or through the set. The rectilinear shape is considerably more useful space for creating a set with architectural integrity than the present circular shape. |
| Backstage Runway: | The proposed height of the floor of this elevated walkway is between 76" and 8-0" from the existing floor of the theater. It is essential to the concept that the structure of the walkway allow actors and technicians movement underneath the audience. Additionally this will provide storage and backstage space independent of the audience area. |
| Unit Set: | In this situation, it is essential to
have a well designed unit to balance the focus in the room with special
attention to the extreme height of the space. Careful consideration must
be given to the demands on this unit which must support a class project,
a fully produced event, or a teleconference, or make the room feel finished
and warm for a meeting.
A unit set should be employed to maximize dramatic potential with a concept of contained flexibility. For this proposal, I sketched a possible unit set based on a typical module employed by a number of Shakespeare repertory companies. The unit provides scenic potential for multiple levels, an inner below and actor passage. With the arrangement of some scenic elements the unit structure may be transformed into a realistic space, a fantastic space, or to disappear. |
| Storage benefits: | There is some convenient storage potential in the new space design. If the structure permits, the area under the new lobby would make ideal storage for properties. A certain amount of active show storage - designed prop & wardrobe cabinets - could be created under the uppermost row of seating around the perimeter. |
| Problems
and Questions
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| Actual height of walkway | Using the height of the mainstage lobby (76) requires adapting the doors on the existing ground level. Making the walkway a higher level would require a transition in level to the mainstage lobby. |
| Transition to Ground level | The transition between the new lobby level and the ground level of the hallway by the greenroom needs to be solved. I have created a narrower staircase for this space. If the code does not allow this, a wider staircase is possible with the loss of an existing door into the ring space. |
| Control Booth | The existing control booth is not in an
ideal location for the projected stage space. Does it make sense to relocate
the booth on the SE wall where the support crew will have an unobstructed
view.
This relocated control center could support the technology for presentations (in particular video projection and related presentational equipment [we loved what they did in Worrell] having the equipment available in house greatly increases the utility of the space). |
| Front of House | Reconfiguration of the existing lobby areas will impact on audience traffic patterns through the space. Provisions should be made to direct the audience clearly and effectively from the lobby areas into the performance area. As most audience will be entering from parking lot Q, this should include ticket facilities at the Ring Theatre. It may prove most effective to combine ticket offices for both theaters (Main & Ring) at the entrance from the parking lot. |