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 have a full complement of support spaces and design labs for teaching and producing student theatre. The project allowed 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 has improved the centre of the campus and is a demonstration of the University’s pledge to professional arts education.
A 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, Clark Door designed and manufactured two STC53 horizontal sliding bi-parting doors systems, fire-rated to 90 minutes.
An 18’8” x 7’11” door 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 theatre performance area. Clark Door collaborated with the architect to overcome the challenge of low headroom in the lobby area, the design of the door allows 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 amphitheatre 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.
