Village Squire, 1978-11, Page 41They've added a system of audio loops in
the floor of the auditorium which can be
utilized by those hard of hearing with the
use of a simple hearing aid -like device
obtainable from the box office. Few
people however will need the help because
a good deal of work was put into improving
the accoustics of the theatre during the
reconstruction.
Energy efficiency is also built into the
new building. Heat pumps are located
throughout the building to help air
condition it in summer and heat it in
winter. They'll make use of the heat given
off by machinery inside the building to heat
other parts of the building.
Mr. Wellan points out that the process of
planning the new theatre wasn't done by
one individual but by the board, the staff
and the architects. Both the board and the
staff loved working with the architects, he
says and it has become a very personal
project for all concerned. Everyone got
involved in decisions. For instance with the
seating. 10 or 11 companies brought in
sample seats and they were installed in a
room where meetings of the board and
staff were held. Eventually a vote was
taken and it was agreed that the most
comfortable seat was an expensive one.
Still, the board felt that it was worth the
extra price.
The amazing thing about the new theatre
is that it's paid for before it opens its doors.
More than three million of the money came
from government grants and another two
million plus had to be raised locally. There
was concern that it might be hard to raise
this since the new London art gallery was
also canvassing for money. That the money
is raised and in the bank is generally
credited to Clarence Peterson, the man
who took over the job of coming up with the
private donations for the building. Such
campaigns as the buy a brick campaign in
which individuals will have their names in
bricks in return for donations in the walls
were very successful.
The new theatre will provide tremend-
ously improved facilities for the staff,
perhaps even more so than for the
audience. There are now ample dressing -
rooms available for even the largest shows.
There are large rehearsal halls complete
with sprung (cushioned) wooden floors to
ease strain on actors and dancers. The
workshop and wardrobe facilities are much
more convenient and elevators make it
easy to shift things from one part of the
building to another. And the administrat-
ive offices will be convenient and efficient
and pleasant to work in.
The main foyer of the theatre will service
both the McManus studio and the Grand.
The studio theatre will be the home of the
Theatre London Young Company. William
Hutt, artistic director of Theatre London
feels strongly, says Mr. WeIlan, about the
need for an outlet for good young actors
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November 1978 The Village Squire 39