Summary: A new 75,000 square foot multi-functional performing arts complex, comprising a flexible theatre space with backstage performer and technical support areas. CDL were recommended to Elkus Manfredi Architects to provide acoustic fire-rated doors to separate the performance areas from the lobby and back-of-house spaces.
Joan & Edgar Booth Theatre and College of Fine Arts Production Center
The new theatre complex at Boston University includes the Joan & Edgar Booth Theatre, capable of seating 250 attendees. The aim of this project was to build a modern learning environment that could teach the next generation of artists and ensure the engagement of the audience. It also includes the College of Fine Arts Production Center, which comes with a state-of-the-art Light and Sound Lab, an assembly-line design, plenty of space for art and theatre, scene and paint shops, and more.
Both the advanced studio theatre and the production facility will have a full complement of support spaces and design labs for teaching and producing student theatre.
The project will allow the School of Theatre to relocate its world-famous programs here, ensuring their close proximity to other theatre and opera performance programs. This new build will improve the center of the campus and will be a demonstration of the University’s pledge to professional arts education.
Our Project
The contemporary steel-beamed glass-filled facility, the new Boston University Booth Theatre and Production Center features:
• The Black Box Theatre with a 250-seat capacity
• Backstage performer and technical support spaces
• Lobby and front-of-house spaces
• Production facilities (such as shops for scenery, costumes and props)
• Office and studio spaces for faculty
• Classroom and lab-style teaching spaces (including a lighting lab and design studios)
After consulting with the architect, acoustician and contractor, CDL designed and manufactured two STC53 horizontal sliding bi-parting doors systems, fire-rated to 90 minutes.
An 18’8” x 7’11” separates the Black Box Theatre from the production facilities, cancelling noise from the scenery, costume and props workshops, ensuring performances and rehearsals are undisturbed.
A 13’8” x 19’0” door separates the lobby from the theater performance area. CDL collaborated with the architect to overcome the challenge of low headroom in the lobby area, given that the design of the door enabled the door track and header to fit into a pocket above the ceiling.
The new Boston University building opened in 2018 and put a vibrant community performance space with a central plaza and amphitheater at the heart of life at Boston University’s Charles River campus. It was awarded the prestigious Construction Management Association of America’s Project Achievement Award.
CDL has been designing and manufacturing acoustic doors for many years – and for a variety of environments. Browse our case studies to see how CDL can help you come up with the best solution for your project.
« Back to Joan & Edgar Booth Theater & College of Fine Arts Production Center
