DG 1110.3.120
DESIGN GUIDE: MUSIC AND DRAMA CENTERS
JANUARY 1981
C H A P T E R 3: ENVIRONMENT
The combined factors of audience demand for
Music facilities tend to require fewer technical
performing arts, ready availability of profes-
construction spaces and more for preparing the
sional touring companies, and the mix of non-
performer. These consist of several small prac-
appropriated and appropriated funds in the
tice rooms for individuals, at least one for piano
MDC's operating/production budget may make
and voice coaching, and a sectional warm-up
for a very full performance schedule. If not, in-
room for rehearsing portions of the resident or-
tervals between productions can be pro-
chestra or chorus. The total complement of prac-
grammed with community educational activity.
tice room uses and sizes ultimately depends on
the music program. They should be accessible
Extended facilities will regularly involve more
from the dressing areas and stage during per-
people or accommodate a broad range of par-
formance hours. An MDC designed primarily for
ticipatory activities, or both. Consequently, multi-
Music will have instrument storage and a repair
use and combined Music and Drama MDC's are
shop in addition to general storage and main-
likely choices. (See also Section 3-15.)
tenance, plus chair, stands, riser and lighting
storage, and probably a score library.
2. Functions
Any MDC may have extended support facilities
Musical drama and dance require both scene
in the form of a large multi-use rehearsal room
production and practice facilities according to
with associated equipment and chair storage.
the MDC's primary emphasis. It is most likely
This may be structurally and mechanically in-
that the Drama preparatory facilities will domi-
dependent of the performance plant. In fact, the
nate with the possible addition of a dance re-
small dinner theater popular at many installa-
hearsal and warm-up studio.
tions is an extension that encourages frequent
small-scale entertainments and builds support
F. EXTENDED SUPPORT FACILITIES
for main facility programs. Other extensions may
provide for classrooms, workshops, studios and
instructors' offices shared by several branches
1. Parameters
of MSA programs in the community center.
The preceding discussion of production facilities
These are not specifically MDC functions, and
has focused on minimum basic requirements in
the performance facility should not attempt to
support of performance. While frequent actual
performance is the ultimate objective, catalyst
serve many masters. But cooperative use of cer-
tain shared facilities can have many benefits by
and measure of the Army Performing Arts Pro-
bringing together active, creative minds and in-
gram, significant goals of community and skill
development are also reached through collective
creasing awareness of the arts.
activities that involve people and educate audi-
Drama facilities may develop special uses such
ences. If the first objective-adequate perfor-
as a literature and script library; a permanent
mance-oriented facilities-can be obtained within
dance studio; a film or video studio and auditing
available resources, the extension of selected
support facilities may be contemplated. These
library with facilities for recording, instruction
and equipment loan. A full performance sched-
are not strictly required for performance support,
ule can involve many non-actors in an expanded
but reinforce and enhance resident programs. As
such, they have important application to Army
scene and costume shop or set and lighting de-
sign workshops.
program goals.
Selection of extended facilities is based on eval-
Music facilities may have score and record li-
uation of each installation's program, context
braries that are not duplicated in unit subpro-
and population characteristics. Desire for a high
gram facilities. The MDC can also provide larger,
more specialized rehearsal rooms or a recording
level of amateur participation may mean exten-
sive skill development is needed to form a res-
studio with professional equipment, instruction
ervoir of potential cast members. If no similar
and editing facilities.
cultural facility exists in the community, skill de-
velopment opportunities will attract and educate
an audience as well. On the other hand, the mil-
itary and/or civilian community may have an ex-
3-12. PERFORMANCE
ceptionally well-educated population that de-
mands a level of sophistication attainable only
SUPPORT SPACE
by intensive training for special skills.
ALLOCATION
3-68
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