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Once considered a dying art, live performance theater today is a thriving and growing industry. And where once a simple sound system would suffice in a theatrical setting, venues have been upgrading, expanding and enhancing their audio capabilities.This stems not only from the high standards set by Broadway-caliber productions - both in established theater centers such as London, and New York, but also from myriad touring casts that bring recent hit shows and original casts to secondary markets.
the same time, audiences everywhere have grown to demand increasingly higher standards with expectations of high-definition clarity, vocal intelligibility and punch from live music and theatrical presentations.
There's been an upswing of interest in live theater and performing arts facilities, in terms of new construction, renovations of historical buildings and transformations of existing structures into new venues. Unfortunately, when it comes to determining what sound system is best in any particular performance space, the answers do not necessarily come easy and can be as varied as the architecture, seating and decor. Most of these were never intended for either high-SPL music programs or even for the needs of contemporary theater or performing arts.
Despite the aesthetic appeal of an existing structure - such as a vintage art deco movie palace - these facilities offer extraordinary challenges in terms of acoustics. Meanwhile, another issue that frequently arises is finding an audio solution that can blend with a building's historical nature, yet provide the required reinforcement. Not that it's easy, yet when modern technology is applied - in carefully examining the project needs, selecting the right components for the job and a professional installation - the goal can be achieved.
With that in mind, we looked into close to a dozen interesting new projects. Along the way, we encountered a range of successful approaches designed for both production flexibility and great sound - in venues of all sizes, with all reaching the goal of providing clarity and musicality to every patron in every seat.
Kings Theatre Brooklyn, NY
When it opened Sept. 7,1929, the Loew's Kings Theatre was one of the most exquisite theaters in the nation. The grand opening featured a screening of the silent classic Evangeline (enhanced with sections of dialog, music and effects played via...