The Mary Stuart Rogers Theater seats approximately 1250 patrons, with as many as 945
patrons at the orchestra and parterre levels, and 305 patrons in the balcony.
Two entrances are provided to the theater at three lobby levels, with a cross
aisle at the main level.
The theater is intended to accommodate a wide spectrum of programs ranging from
classical music concerts and theater to all amplified popular entertainment
events. The audience chamber is designed to provide sufficient volume in the
hall to develop the degree of reverberation needed for classical music (1.7-1.9
seconds at mid-frequency, occupied). A system of retractable draperies will be
provided to adjust the reverberant character of the hall down to a “dry”
condition suitable for speech alone (1.4-1.5 seconds at mid-frequency). This
ability to “tune” the room acoustics gives a great range of control and choice
to theater directors, conductors, and performers.
In keeping with the classical music acoustic objectives, a traditional shoebox
shape has been pursued. The maximum width of the hall is 97 feet, which tapers
in to approximately 72 feet between the side walls just forward of the
proscenium. These dimensions are favorable with respect to directing early sound
reflections towards the center portions of the orchestra seating areas.
The design of the hall incorporates a single balcony, so that the farthest seat
is approximately 100 feet from the proscenium, assuring a good degree of
intimacy and overall loudness of sound throughout the hall.
An orchestra shell will be an essential element of the hall for natural music
performances. The purpose of the shell is to provide sound reflections that
enhance on-stage hearing for the musicians, as well as to project a balanced and
properly timed series of early reflections to the audience.
Forestage reflectors suspended in the audience chamber just forward of the
proscenium extend into the hall over the orchestra pit. These reflectors direct
early reflections from within the orchestra shell to the front positions of the
seating area, enhance on-stage hearing for players situated on the pit lift
forward of the proscenium, improve ensemble hearing in the orchestra pit, and
provide reinforcement of low power string instruments.
The orchestra pit is sized for approximately 40 musicians. A portion of the pit
will extend under the stage to assure balance among orchestral sections. The
rear wall will be articulated to promote sound diffusion and will also be
provided with removable draperies for variable sound absorption.
A tension grid providing theatrical lighting positions above the audience is
arrayed along concentric arcs mimicking the seating rows below and forming a
virtual ceiling plane or “chandelier,” with integrated house lighting fixtures.
Follow spot positions are located above the balcony. Balcony edge and sidewall
locations fill out the theatrical lighting positions within the house.
The forestage reflectors help to frame the 27’-0” high proscenium and sliding
tormenters adjust the proscenium frame width from between 60’ 0” and 40’-0”. The
stage is 45’-0” deep by 102’-6” wide with a scene dock beyond that provides
storage space for the orchestra shell towers and will accommodate
rear-projection.
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