Performance venues offer a range of accommodations for patrons such as wheelchair spaces, assistive listening devices, and sensory-sensitive performances or areas. One accommodation that theatregoers may not be familiar with is designated aisle seats.

In the early days of Theatre Consulting as a profession, some consultants were much more hands-on when it comes to the design of equipment to solve a particular need. As the saying goes, “necessity is the mother of invention”. Jim Read, FASTC shares some thoughts on his early work with consulting pioneer, George C. Izenour, and how early winch controls were developed.

ASTC:Notes recently heard from a reader inquiring about codes and design standards for corridors used in performing arts. As with anything else related to performance buildings, the code minimum is rarely sufficient for the job. Good design considers the way circulation routes are used….

Too often, American performing arts facilities get off on the wrong foot, with the design team being solicited with scant information. Other parts of the world have found a better way.