A theatre consultant is versed in the day-to-day operations of a theatre and the architectural design process required to design a theatre. A theatre consultant is your advocate during the design process and is often the only person on the design team (architect, engineers, and other consultants) cognizant of the unique requirements of a performing arts facility. The theatre consultant works with the architect and owner to plan the facility and to design the front-of-house facilities, audience/stage configuration, sightlines, backstage layout, and other ancillary spaces which support the audience, performers and the production. The theatre consultant designs the theatrical systems and provides the architect and engineers with the information they need to properly incorporate these complex systems into the building.

The members of the ASTC are professional theatre consultants who have been recognized by their peers as accomplished practitioners having the broad range of capabilities and experience necessary to qualify for membership. ASTC Members are bound by a rigorous Code of Ethics to provide unbiased, functionally sound consulting and design services to owners, users, architects, and engineers of performance and assembly facilities.

They may have intimate knowledge of how theatrical systems are used, but may not necessarily have experience in the design, specification, construction, nor the architectural design process. The design of the theatrical systems is but one component that must be developed, integrated, and coordinated into the entire building. The design team for a performing arts facility has its own unique cast of characters that differ from those involved in putting on a show. They typically include the architect, owner, structural engineer, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, civil engineer, theatre consultant, and acoustician. A large or multi-venue facility might include a number of other specialty consultants.

That stated, the input of technical directors, lighting designers, and scenic designers and other stakeholders provide valuable information to the building design team so they can create a building that meets the needs of the organization.

The primary objective of the ASTC is to inform owners, users, and planners of the services ASTC theatre consultants offer, and how those services create effective and economically viable performance and assembly facilities. Whether large or small, new construction, or a remodel/renovation/adaptive reuse project, an ASTC consultant helps to ensure that the value stays in your project.

The ASTC cannot recommend the services of any one particular member or firm. A roster of members is available here: ASTC Membership Roster

Choosing from the ASTC’s membership assures the consultant you select meets the professional requirements of the industry. Go to Membership Criteria for more information. Your selection may be informed by geographic location or by the type of performing arts facility you are considering. A particular project by an ASTC member may be similar to the direction you envisage. All of these are valid considerations. As you would with any professional: solicit the qualifications of at least three (3) theatre consultants, look at their portfolio of projects, speak with principals of the firm, discuss their approach to the design of a facility, visit nearby projects (if possible), and ask for references from current and past clients. The theatre consultant will be your ally during what may range from 1-5 years – – – listen to your “gut” and be comfortable with your choice.

Fees vary by consultant depending upon the size of the firm and the scale of your project. As you research theatre consultants, ask them to prepare a fee proposal for your project. Theatre consultants can charge a fixed fee for the entire project, separate fees for different phases of a project, or on an hourly basis. Fees and payment schedules are almost always negotiable, and the consultant can be expected to work with you to find a mutually acceptable structure.

It is not uncommon for the theatre consultant to be hired quite early to aid with programming to assure the building is properly sized, outfitted, and budgeted. In some cases, the theatre consultant is hired before the architect, or during a study phase. When engaged in later phases it is more difficult for a theatre consultant to influence the building’s design, so there is greater benefit to making the decision early.

The architect has overall responsibility for the design and constructability of the building and works with a team of consultants and engineers (i.e., electrical, mechanical, structural, acoustical, code, etc.). Each has specific experience and expertise they bring to their discipline.

Unlike many building types, which usually do one thing for the life of the building, a performing arts venue may see a great variety of activities: some very often and others less frequently. An infrequent activity may be precluded in some buildings, but most performing arts venues need flexibility to function for a wider range of uses.

An ASTC theater consultant is experienced and knowledgeable in the necessary day-to-day operations, space requirements and arrangements, and technologies needed to design and outfit the venue so that it functions as it should.

It is customary that the architect selects the electrical, mechanical, structural engineers, interior designers, code consultants, landscape designers, etc. Specialty consultants, such as an acoustician or theatre consultant may be a different matter. Certain entities, such as municipalities, school districts, and universities, may require the theatre consultant, as well as all other consultants, be hired by the architect. Sometimes there are exceptions to that rule and some institutions do not have any specific rules. Some organizations understand the selection of a theatre consultant early in the process is vital to the project’s success and may wish to engage the theatre consultant directly to represent the owner.

Which party “hires” the theatre consultant is a contractual and organizational question. Whatever the hierarchy, we recommend owners take interest in the selection of the theatre consultant.