Charcoalblue’s Post

This #NYTimes article gives a sneak peak into Emursive Productions latest creation "Life and Trust." I was disappointed that the show was not open while I was in town for the WXO - World Experience Organization World Experience Summit (#WXS), but this article helps give insights into the new immersive theater #experience opening on August 1. It has some similarities to one of Emursive's other well-known productions "Sleep No More" in that it takes place across many levels in a #Manhattan high-rise, and is a modern #theatrical remake of a #Shakespearean plot. Here are a few key takeaways from the article that could inform the design of other immersive theater shows. Point #1 - The original #script was initially very text-heavy, but they removed most of it for movement-based work. I can not emphasize enough how important this is. In a choose-your-own-adventure free-roam #immersive theatrical production, you cannot expect everyone to be able to hear the dialogue nor to stand in one place long enough for monologue after #monologue after monologue. It's easy for a #writer to fall in love with their words, but just like a picture is worth a thousand words, so is #acting and storytelling that is effective at a distance or in distracting environments. Keep it simple. Recognize that everyone is not hanging on to your every word. This is even more important the bigger or more complex the production. Point #2 - To fill a night with the #story, and give guests a chance to catch new perspectives, they created 30 characters in 250 overlapping scenes that repeated twice a night. Each scene had to work independently - "like an advent calendar" describes the #director. Here is another imperative lesson in free-roam and choose-your-own-adventure #storytelling. Each segment or module must be its own mini-story within the bigger context. You cannot assume that the #audience caught a major plot twist in the last room the actors were in. Some may have followed, but others may join from a different thread altogether. Do your audience a favor and find a clever way to recap any major information or #plot twists that led to this scene. That way the audience can catch up and make sense of what they are seeing. Point #3 - Time-based sound cues were used to mark scene changes and scenes were padded with enough time for #actor movement and #transitions through a crowded theater. These cues are likely presented in a way that the audience would believe is part of the storyline and effects. These sounds are like a massive metronome to the #performers and #production crew, but don't have to be disruptive. It's great the actors can initiate the flow and movement, hopefully through compelling action or by directly addressing the audience, as nothing breaks the 4th wall more than having a docent or non-actor start directing traffic to try to get a crowd moving into another location.

Architectural lighting is not just about what you illuminate, it's also about what you obscure. Drawing focus using lighting is an old trick in theatre and is a lesson that can be applied to architectural lighting as well. Check out my article, "Seen Versus Unseen" in the latest (all digital!) edition of the AIA Dallas magazine, Columns. https://lnkd.in/g2R_HtJM

I’m sure we've all had those magical moments in the cinema where the lights dim, the screen comes alive, and we're transported to a world beyond our own. It’s one of the reasons we love it! But what makes these cinematic experiences truly unforgettable? It's not just the big screen or the surround sound – it's the art and hospitality that come together to create a sense of wonder and enchantment — the most iconic cinemas are often those that combine stunning architecture with innovative design, creating a beautiful, immersive experience that's just as much a part of the show as the film itself. In the #cinemaindustry, we're seeing this intersection of #artandhospitality play out in a big way. Think about it – some of the most iconic cinemas in the world are those that have been transformed into cultural spaces, combining art, design, and hospitality to create an unforgettable experience. These spaces are not just about showing movies – they're about creating an atmosphere that immerses us in the story and transports us to a new world. The Tushinski Theatre in Amsterdam and the Electric Cinema Portobello immediately spring to mind for me; what about you? By combining art and hospitality in innovative ways, we can create cinematic #culturalspaces that inspire us, challenge us, and leave us feeling truly alive.

Take a look at this comprehensive article in Building Design + Construction about budget-conscious design trends for performing arts facilities! "According to Mark Holden, Principal of Acoustics for the acoustic and audiovisual design firm Jaffe Holden (which helped pioneer and design a number of adjustable acoustic systems), double-layer fabric banners are effective for absorbing sound and tuning a room to enhance a wide range of performances. 'The acoustics of a room are excellent only for a specific program on the stage, which can range from orchestra and band to amplified Broadway shows. Getting these professional-level systems into high schools is rather extraordinary, and we’re seeing Texas leading the way in high school acoustic systems. To be able to tune theaters acoustically allows the rooms to be used for a multiplicity of functionality. The motorized acoustic banners are on the side walls and within the ceiling area. On stage, you’ll have a moveable, tunable orchestra shell, or concert enclosure, which has ceiling clouds and movable walls that create a concert hall-like environment within the stage. It’s a very sophisticated set of equipment.'" Building Design & Construction - BDC #acoustics #acousticdesign #audiovideo #avdesign #thoughtleadership #performingarts #theaterdesign #jaffeholden

Reimagining Theater City: Designing for Community and Harmony We're working on a project to #revitalize Theater City, transforming it into a #vibrant and #welcoming space for everyone Under the guidance of Nikoo Sereshti . Our approach focuses on strategic design principles to create a harmonious and efficient environment that fosters community and promotes a positive experience for all. Our Vision: • Order from Chaos: We aim to create a sense of order and harmony by strategically designing the space to encourage positive interactions. • Movement and Connection: We've carefully defined movement paths, creating a natural flow that allows visitors to easily navigate and connect with different areas. This includes providing a clear view of the open theater, the city theater, and the student park. • A Space for Everyone: We envision a space where people of all ages and backgrounds feel comfortable gathering, enjoying the facilities, and experiencing a sense of shared purpose. Our Goals: • Increase Solidarity: By creating a welcoming and engaging environment, we hope to foster a sense of community and shared purpose. • Elevate the Standard of Living: We believe that a well-designed public space can improve the quality of life for everyone in the community. • Collective Problem Solving: We are committed to working collaboratively with the community to address shared challenges and create a better future for everyone. • Together with our team: Kosar Razrghi,Fateme Shanaghi,Fateme Zare,Romina Taheri #TheaterCity #CommunityDesign #UrbanPlanning #PublicSpace #SocialHarmony #DesignThinking #CommunityEngagement

A destination for the arts and music, Aviva Studios - the home of Factory International, has been described as the most important cultural development in Europe. In a special documentary on BBC Imagine the story of this new cultural venue in Manchester is told. “This documentary tells how the Aviva Studios are rooted in the industrial energy of Factory Records and the theatre of Manchester International Festival. Musical and theatrical energy can co-exist in one building thanks to ingenious movable acoustic walls that join or divide Warehouse and Theatre acoustically. The thousands of acoustic bearings that make this building work were made in Manchester. Of course.” – Matthew Harrison MBE, Partner at Buro Happold. The building is both unique in form and function. The architecture embodies the true spirit of the brief and our engineering solutions provided the infrastructure to facilitate the highest levels of performance and flexibility. Watch the video and see the possibilities offered by this vast and ambitious building: https://buro.im/3tlAX2i #AvivaStudios #FactoryInternational #BuroHappold #CulturalDevelopment #EngineeringSolutions

The frenzy of excitement and entertainment while enjoying one's favorite music band or performer is a natural human expression. However, some structures or parts of structures might also be excited, but differently than humans. In this video (repost Motioneering), during a concert, one can see how synchronous movement and frequency can induce vibrations in the balcony, causing larger amplitudes. However, in rare cases, it might be detrimental; one way to prevent this unpleasant scenario from ever happening is by considering supplemental devices, such as passive dampers. In simple words, they consist of a mass-distributed system tuned to the structural frequency mode to absorb the unwanted vibrations caused by external actions (wind, earthquake, synchronous human movement, etc.). Another way to prevent it is to postpone/cancel the gathering/concert—of course, unwanted too. One can see that structural engineers are prone to look at the potential issues and to think/implementing solutions to ensure the safety and use of such structures for fun, too:) One important aspect I strongly emphasize is that many old structures were not designed (30, 40, and 50 years ago) according to the present requirements and scenarios, so a careful investigation is required in such extraordinary circumstances. Blaming is easy for a layperson but non-productive. Awareness is the key, with a collaborative spirit.

The Proscenium Arch in Modern Theater In contemporary theater, stage design encompasses various aesthetic elements to ensure the compelling and effective engagement of the audience. One of these elements is the stage proscenium arch, also known as the “proscenium arch.” The role played by the proscenium arch in modern theater is crucial for enhancing the visual and dramatic allure of performances. What is Proscenium? Proscenium is an architectural element used in stage design, typically positioned at the front of the stage. Serving as a barrier between the audience and the stage, this arch identifies the focal point of the performance, capturing the attention of the viewers. Drawing inspiration from traditional theater structures, the proscenium design is often integrated with modern stage design in many theaters today. The Function of the Proscenium Arch: Focus Point Determination: In modern theater stages, the primary role of the proscenium arch is to direct the audience’s attention to the main events on stage. By defining the center of the performance, this arch establishes the audience’s focus. Framing and Aesthetics: The frame created by the proscenium arch around the stage provides an aesthetic appearance, framing the performance like a painting. Stage design and decoration can be showcased more effectively within this framed space. Stage Depth and Perspective: The architectural structure of the proscenium arch emphasizes stage depth and strengthens perspective. It gives the audience a sense of a broad stage area, allowing for a more effective transmission of the performance. Concealment and Revelation: The masking feature of the proscenium arch can be utilized to conceal preparations and changes behind the scenes from the audience. As the curtain in the front part of the stage opens, the performance begins, creating a dramatic effect. Lighting and Effects: Proscenium arches can assist in directing stage lighting and special effects. This architectural feature in the front of the stage facilitates the integration of light and effects into the performance more effectively. In contemporary theater, the combination of proscenium design with modern staging techniques enriches the interaction between the performance and the audience, offering an aesthetic experience. The versatile role of the stage proscenium arch continues to enhance the visual and dramatic experience of theatrical art. #culturalarchitecture #theaterdesign #culture

Our job as theatre planners and designers goes way beyond getting you drawings and specs. It's also our job to help you understand this weird world of theatre and why artists/operators need what they need. #education #collaborate #helpeachother #theatredesign #theatre

The team and I were privileged to be at a Practice Talk Populous held in their Sydney office. I was impressed to learn that they designed the largest spherical building in the world. I'm beyond excited to see The Sphere in Las Vegas in person next month; hopefully I can get in there and really check it out. This article has 5 interesting things to know about The Sphere. #TheSphere #Populous #Designarchitecture #SportsArchitecture