DG 1110.3.120
DESIGN GUIDE: MUSIC AND DRAMA CENTERS
JANUARY 1981
C H A P T E R 3: ROOM CHARACTERISTICS
Army performing arts activities the Frontal form
Moreover, the Frontal form is most versatile for
offers substantial advantages, and in most cases
the likely range of Army secondary uses (see
this form will be chosen by Army Program
Section 3-7 for detailed discussion):
Directors.
h. Dance presentation will work if the stage is
a. The bulk of repertory and music literature
large enough.
assumes Frontal.
i. Variety revues find Frontal most adaptable
b. A proscenium is a ready-made frame of ref-
to different acts.
erence for actors, directors, and technical
designers.
Public addresses, ceremonies and lecture
demonstrations favor uniform viewing
c. Performers and audience have established
relationships.
expectations based on experience with the
most common (proscenium) theater form.
k. A range of music group sizes fit the stage,
and established methods for adjusting
d. A proscenium generally results in maxi-
acoustics are well developed.
mum impact of scenic effect.
e. Scenery creates opportunity for backstage
3. Audience Capacity
involvement of non-acting participants.
How large should the House be? How many
seats? In terms of audience size, basic design
f. Pre-designed stage equipment relation-
criteria such as viewing distance and acoustical
ships are most likely to provide consistent
characteristics determine capacity according to
built-in production quality, with a `mem-
performance type, Room volume, and Room
ory" for improvements.
configuration. However, in order to begin plan-
Incoming touring shows are typically de-
ning a new facility one must have some general
signed for the most common theater form.
idea of potential audience size, (see 2-4.d).
3-7
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