Access is a common concern in performing arts buildings. Often this refers to equal access for all members of the public and removing barriers. There’s another important type of access that is part of using and maintaining these complicated buildings. It is necessary to be able to get to all of the equipment in a performing arts building for operation and maintenance.
Sometimes there is confusion in the marketplace about the roles of theatre consultants and dealers. Some owners or architects elect to work with a dealer, thinking they will receive the same level of service as they would from a dedicated theatre consultant, and possibly for free. Theatre consultants and dealers may each be considered “theatre experts”, but they have very different roles and agendas in the construction process.
Lobbies aren’t just places where audiences mill about, waiting for the doors to open so they can find their seats. More and more operators want these spaces to serve a variety of functions, often to generate revenue or at least provide audience service.
At USITT’s conference in St. Louis, high School student Alyssa Gil-Pujols presented her experience working with an ASTC mentor. During her internship she learned about theatre consulting as a potential career path and completed a project to demonstrate some of what she learned.
The ASTC continues to be active at the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) Conference, this year in Pittsburgh. Two intrepid ASTC Fellows led the charge with the next installment of their history series.
The American Society of Theatre Consultants (ASTC) mourns the loss of longtime member and Fellow, James “Jim” Read, FASTC, who passed away on November 2, 2022.
Dressing and Makeup Rooms have specific requirements that are often ignored or misunderstood. Some of those requirements help performers do the work they need to do, while other requirements are there for life safety.
ASTC has created a mentorship program for students so they may learn about our profession, and with any luck, better expose students to a career path they may not know exists. The first student has now been through the program in New York City.
Performing arts spaces are complicated. Don’t assume a theatre consultant is merely an equipment specifier. Gain their expertise early, not when it is too late to fix problems. In the end the consultant’s fee is money well spent and the resulting building will be much better.