Emilia Ilarda ACT 2 Theatre Project

THE 2280ID ACT II Architecture Project [Photograph of the “Stephen Sondheim Theatre” by Tanya Braganti, Illustrates the external preserved neoclassical architectural elements of the original Henry miller theatre built in 1918.] [Photograph of the “oval lobby of the Stephen Sondheim Theatre” by Tanya Braganti, depicts the addition of contemporary black and white checkered tile flooring while also preserving the original historical oval shape of the lobby.] [Photograph by Tanya Braganti, Illustrates the view of the audience seating from the stage. Seating includes 699 seat in the orchestra and 346 seats in the mezzanine.] Reference for above 3 photographs: Braganti, T. (2013). Spotlight on Broadway. Retrieved October 27, 2020, from https://www.spotlightonbroadway.com/theater- architecture [Photograph by dbox ©, image taken from side wing of stage. Reflects a general idea of the size of the stage compared to the size of the theatre. ] [Photograph by dbox ©, Image of one of the preserved artifacts from the original Henry Millers theatre 1918] [Photograph by dbox ©, depicts the intimate seating of the theatre when it is at it full capacity as well as the many modern lighting fixtures on the ceiling that were added doing the 2010 renovation. ] Sound and Lighting Fly Tower Bars, Restaurants, Facilities ——> Auditorium Stage Pit—> Trap Room [Photograph by dbox ©, sectional view of the Stephen Sondheim Theatre. Illustrates the fly tower, stage, pit, auditorium, sound and lighting room, trap room as well as the bars, restaurants and facilities.] References for above 4 Photographs: Dbox. (2012). Gallery of Stephen Sondheim Theater / COOKFOX - 3. Retrieved October 27, 2020, from https://www.archdaily.com/283575/stephen- sondheim-theater-cook-fox-architects/dbox?next_project=no Annotated Bibliography 10/27/2020 Stephen Sondheim Theatre (Henry Millers Theatre) Vinnitskaya, I. (2012, October 22). Stephen Sondheim Theater / COOKFOX. Retrieved October 27, 2020, from https://www.archdaily.com/283575/stephen-sondheim- theater-cook-fox-architects Designed by COOKFOX, an architectural agency that specializes in designing innovative, beautiful and eco friendly architecture, “the Stephen Sondheim Theatre is a state of the art New York city performing arts center built on the site of the 1918 Henry miller theatre.” Housed behind a renovated facade that has been landmarked, the new building is a significant addition to the community’s artistic historical heritage. Increased from its original capacity, the seating capacity ranges from 950-1055. Although this 50,000 sure foot theatre is able to accommodate over 100 more audience members the renovated theatre still is able to retain its sense of intimacy between the audience and the performers. By preserving much of the original architecture, fabric and artifacts such as antique doors and decorative plasterwork the space inside the Stephen Sondheim Theatre allows audience members to feel as though they are being transported back historically to Henry Miller’s time and place. Although much of the original construction was preserved and restored, modern renovations such as black and white checkered tiles and modern lighting fixtures were incorporated with historical features to create a contrasting effect. The eco friendly contemporary modern architecture style of COOKFOX aims to revolutionize the facilities of performing arts centers for future generation. Their mission was to create a relaxed and safe environment for the cast, crew and audience menders. They accomplished this goal by installing “a fresh air system that filters 95 percent of particulate matter” and carbon dioxide sensors to provide extra ventilation when needed. The innovative and environmentally conscious architectural elements in this project, received the “US Green Building Council’s LEED Gold Certification.” Adamson Associates Architects. (2017). Stephen Sondheim Theatre. Retrieved October 27, 2020, from https://www.adamson-associates.com/project/stephen-sondheim-theatre With the objective of building a new broadway playhouse that maintains the intimacy and proportions or the original 1918 theatre built by Allen, Ingalls and Hoffman, the Stephen Sondheim Theatre was renovated. Although much of the technology was redesigned, many of the historical Neoclassical architecture was preserved. For example some of the original elements of the Henry miller theatre that were restored and integrated into the new design was the oval reception area, antique doors and plaster work were saved. An element that is a staple of neoclassical architecture that is still to this day seen on the exterior of the building is two large urns on each side of the front entrance. The renovated theatre features a larger orchestra pit with a fully functioning fly tower, as well as a designated area for scene loading and a newer advanced acoustics system. The mezzanine is located at the same level as the street. Audience members are able to go down one level to the orchestra where a majority (2/3) of the seating is situated. Some new facilities that were incorporated to increase circulation of the public include, box office, concession stands, a lobby and ground level bar, a café and a restaurant on the upper mezzanine. During the renovation the architects created a spacious area to fit 20 wheel chairs for individuals who require accessibility services. Often recognized as being an eco friendly building, The Stephen Sondheim theatre utilizes modern technology to create walls made of recycled paper that look like metal and stone, was one of the first buildings to have waterless urinals, and even uses ice storage tanks under the theatre to generate ice for the following day. This theatre renovation contained many technological advancements for its time. By using Modern Georgian detailing, the architects were able to create the illusion of being inside a home rather that a theatre venue and many parts of the theatre were painted with a color very similar to the original “bright English green” that was once used in the original 1918 construction. Person. (2018, January 31). Simply NY: Secrets of the Stephen Sondheim Theatre. Retrieved October 27, 2020, from https://abc7ny.com/new-york-city-broadway- stephen-sondheim-theatre/3007464/ Located on West 43rd Street, The Stephen Sondheim Theatre is home to many famous performances such as The Carol King Musical. Originally built in 1918 for the iconic actor and producer Henry Miller for the viewing of theatrical plays, over the course of 100 years the space was often transformed to host a variety of art showings. Following his death, the theatre was eventually sold to Seymour Durst in the late 1960s who replaced theatre shows with feature film showings. Renamed the Avon-at-the-Hudson, the space became a popular site for porn movie viewings. In the late 1970s the theatre was renamed Xeon and reconstructed into a nightclub that featured popular music of the 50s and 60s. By the 1990s the theatre was renamed as the Kit Kat Club and once again used for performances such as the cabaret. Coming the mid 2000s the theatre was demolished to make room for the Bank of America Tower. Surrounded by many bank facilities in what is known to be a business district, the Neo-Georgian style theatre was rebuilt in 2010 to depict much of the original architectural elements seen in the 1918 Henry Miller theatre. Renamed after the well known American composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim, the now called Stephen Sondheim theatre is “one of only 2 subterranean houses on Broadway.”.

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