01
Surveyed the heritage envelope
Documented the existing acoustic behavior, ornamental plaster, and seating geometry before recommending interventions.
Colonial Theater
Theater acousticsHistoric preservationPerformance audioSpeech intelligibility
Overview
Project Summary
Performing Arts
A historic proscenium theater restored to its original ornamental glory, with a modern acoustic and audiovisual backbone discreetly embedded into the heritage architecture.
Reinforcement systems were specified to deliver intelligible speech and full-range music from the orchestra to the upper balcony without disrupting the protected interior finishes.
Reverberation was carefully balanced so spoken-word programming, acoustic ensembles, and amplified performances each translate naturally inside the historic envelope.
Details
Project Credits & Specifications
- Architect
- —
- General Contractor
- —
- Acoustician
- Criterion Acoustics
- AV Systems Designer
- Criterion Acoustics
- Date of Completion
- 2022
- Location
- Pittsfield, MA
Process
What we did
Theater acousticsHistoric preservationPerformance audioSpeech intelligibilityDiscreet AV integration
02
Preserved the room
Specified treatments and AV pathways that hide inside the historic architecture without competing with the ornamentation.
03
Designed reinforcement
Modeled loudspeaker coverage and delay zones for clarity from the orchestra to the upper balcony.
04
Verified with the room awake
Tuned the system during rehearsals so each program type — speech, acoustic, amplified — translates naturally.