Theatre Planning Committee
The ABTT Theatre Planning Committee aims to provide impartial advice at planning stage to improve the design and technical standards to new or refurbished performing arts buildings of any size. It reviews plans for new and remodelled theatres, opera houses, performing arts centres and concert halls, which are brought to it by clients, consultants and architects
Introduction
The ABTT Theatre Planning Committee has been active for the past thirty years. Its aim is to provide impartial advice at planning stage to improve the design and technical standards to new or refurbished performing arts buildings of any size.
What does the Planning Committee do?
The ABTT Theatre Planning Committee reviews plans for new and remodelled theatres, opera houses, performing arts centres and concert halls which are brought to it by clients, consultants and architects.
Who can benefit from such a review?
Anyone who is preparing the designs for a performing arts building will benefit from having the plans examined by a number of experienced people. The service is available to anyone who is involved in planning or designing for the performing arts. The review covers general design issues, including front-of-house areas, auditorium layout and form, stage and backstage planning, technical installations and acoustics.
The Theatre Planning Committee is independent of all of the main funding organisations, but the observations made by the Committee can be of considerable value where capital projects are being prepared for submission to funding bodies. To obtain the maximum benefit the Committee's review is most valuable during the design development stage (RIBA Stage D).
How is the review carried out?
The review process is carried out in the presence of the owners of the scheme and members of their design team who join the selected Committee members informally around a table, usually in the late afternoon in London. The Client or architect is invited to introduce the scheme and to briefly explain the general principles of the project. Members of committee raise issues from the plans for discussion. The sessions last between 1 and 2 hours. A written summary of the main points of discussion is prepared following the meeting and forwarded to the client or architect responsible.
Who are the members of the Committee?
The Committee is made up of experienced theatre consultants, architects, acousticians, designers and technicians who are selected to provide expertise appropriate to a particular project. All of these people are professionally involved in the design of performance spaces. This peer group give their time and the benefit of their experience on a voluntary basis. Members of the Committee who have a professional interest in a project will not represent the Committee but may attend as the client's consultants.
What does it Cost?
The ABTT charges a fee for this service, typically about �750, but this may vary depending upon the size of the project.
