DG 1110.3.120
DESIGN GUIDE: MUSIC AND DRAMA CENTERS
JANUARY 1981
CHAPTER 3: THE STAGE
Medium orchestra, 5080 musicians,
4. Orchestral Music
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12001500 s.f.
First identify the kind of orchestra for which the
facility is primarily intended. Both its size and
Medium orchestra and chorus, 50100 voices,
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instrumental composition have a part in deter-
18002300 s.f.
mining its characteristic sound, intensity, the lit-
Symphony orchestra, 80125 musicians,
erature emphasized, and requirements of phys-
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20002400 s.f.
ical arrangement. This suggests a Room designed
for its "most likely" users nevertheless involves
Symphony and large chorus of 100200 voices,
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tolerances for variations. Music concerts consist
28003500 s.f.
of a series of uninterrupted performance periods
of varying length. In the intervals instrumental
Flexibility will help achieve sectional balance. A
components may be changed, reorganized and
flat floor with portable riser platforms is advised,
retuned while the audience, immobilized during
although some orchestras will not use risers.
performance, refreshes itself. The sometimes
Performances with musicians and chorus often
subtle alterations must be carefully prearranged
require extension forward and split-level ar-
in a rehearsal situation as similar to concert con-
rangement with chorus behind orchestra. This
ditions as possible.
can be accomplished on a large symphony stage
with reduced orchestra, or by extension of an
Performance Space: Orchestra set-ups are
apron over the pit. Moving the orchestra forward
usually as compact as practicable, in order to
alters the relationship to the enclosure. Smaller
hear each other, see each other, and share
music ensembles and bands can be accommo-
sheet music. Stage area averages 16-20 square
dated on a theoretically large stage with suitable
feet per musician and proscenium widths
adjustment of enclosure and musician arrange-
range from 55-80 feet. For various groups, this
ment. Therefore, the suggested approach is to
amounts to:
size the stage for the largest likely group. Stage
floor construction noted under 3-6a is applica-
Ensemble or band, 30-50 musicians, 800-900
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ble, provided the deck is mounted with felt cush-
S.f.
3-32
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