What should be included in a modern, right-sized auditorium?
750 – 1000 seats
The existing Pollard auditorium seats 434 — not even a full grade assembly
- With a new design the space would be able to accommodate half of the middle school population, or up to two grades combined
35-40 -foot wide proscenium stage
The existing Pollard auditorium stage is 27 feet wide
- A wide stage provides space for 250 choral participants or a cast of 200 performers
- More on-stage space allows more students to participate in performances, productions, and competition opportunities
High ceiling height to accommodate fly space
The existing Pollard auditorium is only a single story with no fly space
- Fly space with a tower allows for scenery pieces and lighting safely hung up at angles hidden to the audience
Orchestra pit space
The existing Pollard auditorium does not have an orchestra pit space
- Ample, safely-located pit space allows for combined ensembles of musicians to accompany theater performances
Raked seating, with an upper mezzanine level
The existing Pollard auditorium has one level of almost flat seating
- Raked seating enhances the experience for audience and performers alike through better sightlines
- Two tiers of seating allows the mezzanine to go dark for smaller events and shows, reducing energy costs and creating a more intimate audience experience
- Accessibility features for both users and audience members would include ramp access to all areas, flexible seating, assistive listening devices and audio descriptions
Backstage space
The existing Pollard auditorium has limited backstage or wing space
- Adequate space backstage is needed for set building and storage, rehearsal classrooms, instrument storage, costumes and dressing rooms, as well as places to wait while it’s your turn to shine
As the stage manager of many of the NHS theatrical performances, I have seen and experienced first-hand how the current high school and Newman spaces are not meeting the needs of our programs… We have nowhere to build a set, no backstage dressing rooms and barely enough space backstage for cast members, let alone set pieces.”
— Jenny Koslow, Needham High Student
DID YOU KNOW?
The Town of Needham’s 2024 Arts & Culture Action Plan is based on Needham’s public input and research conducted by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council.
Goal #2 of this plan is to improve accessibility to arts and cultural facilities for all community members and organizations.
It also interviewed elementary and middle school aged kids who participated in Needham’s Department of Parks and Recreation’s Theater Camp — They asked for more and better space for theater and performing arts!
An example of raked seating with mezzanine level
An example of proscenium stage with fly space above and a full music performance pictured below.
