DESIGN GUIDE: MUSIC AND DRAMA CENTERS
DG 1110.3.120
C H A P T E R 3: ENVIRONMENT
JANUARY 1981
needs of musicians and actors differ and re-
In general, performers' facilities for Music or
spective facilities are often separate. Finally,
Drama are similar in functional objectives while
planners must weigh the merits of recognizing
technical and preparatory facilities reflect the
"billing" of performers (prima, star, soloist, lead)
differences of vision and hearing criteria. Unfor-
as an incentive or as an undesirable qualification.
tunately, when ambitions are pared down to
Large MDC's anticipating exceptional profes-
match resources, technical and preparatory fa-
sional touring programs may find guest artist
cilities too often suffer undue diminishment.
suites an important consideration.
Selecting appropriate emphasis requires under-
standing the parameters that influence scope
2. Functions
(size or quantity) of facilities. Quality has more
Dressing, toilets, artists' lounge, green room,
stage door, and pre-entry assembly areas are
to do with understanding of function. Both scope
commonly provided for all performing arts dis-
and quality are proportional to cost.
ciplines. Musicians' dressing is typically locker
room fashion. Showers are especially important
for drama and dance. Choice of group or indi-
vidual dressing areas depends on the parame-
ters noted above. An artists' lounge gains im-
1. Parameters
portance when group dressing facilities are
The anticipated size of the most likely cast is a
provided; it is a place where performers can re-
key factor, as well as its composition by sex and
by artistic discipline. Comparative cast sizes are
lax, wait for their calls and refresh themselves.
The green room is slightly more formal, a place
mentioned in Section 3-6, but much depends on
to meet invited guests and the press, and may
the dramatic literature and interpretive tech-
sometimes double for small rehearsals and cast
nique employed by the director. There are usu-
ally equal facilities for men and women, but the
parties. It is accessible from the House or public
choice between group and individual dressing
lobby. The stage door provides controlled entry
facilities may affect ability to vary this ratio. The
to backstage away from the public entry, often
3-66
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