Definition of a Theatre Consultant

A Theatre Consultant assists the owner and architect in planning and programming the performance, technical and backstage spaces of the theatre.  They bring to the project the expertise needed for the complex design demands of the performance space such as a concert hall, theatre for dance, plays or opera, an auditorium, convention center, or the corporate conference & meeting rooms with the ever changing complexity of multi-media.  Theatre Consultants must be well versed in a multitude of specific technical critereia such as; stage layout and specifications, fly system and rigging, curtains, seating and sightlines, lighting equipment and lighting positons, audio systems and acoustics, dressing room specifications, loading docks, etc,   This depth of knowledge is not usually available by all architects. 

The Theatre Consultant can either be contracted by the architect or the owner. He/she will work with the owner and architects early on to help delineate the parameters and costs of the project. As the project progresses the consultant will provide drawings usually using the base architectural drawings to specify the needed technical criteria.