The North American Theatre Engineering and Architecture Conference's goal is to create a foundation for dialog among those involved in the creation of performance space, be it new construction or the renovation of an existing facility. The following program that will act as a springboard for discussion that can continue long after the conference has closed.

All sessions approved for AIA/CES Continuing Education Credits are identified by this symbol.

All you ever wanted to know about automation but were afraid to ask.

A discussion on systems currently in place and the changes we can expect over the next 10 years. The stage panel will look at the impact automation will have, not only on HVAC and communications systems, but also on the structural requirements of the venue.

High School Auditoriums: – Why Good Design Matters

Audience expectations when attending today¹s high school performances have been hugely influenced by such popular media as Glee and American Idol. As the production needs of secondary education performing arts programs grow, school officials are demanding better design of their multipurpose auditoriums, as well as more capability in their technical production systems. In this session we discuss what¹s right, and wrong, with the way secondary school auditoria are programmed designed, and what should be considered when designing or outfitting "just another high school auditorium".

Safety by Design

A performance venue is typically an environment rife with potential hazards. The work is performed under tight schedules, involves the use of unusual structural, mechanical and chemical materials and, just to make it interesting, is often done in the dark. This session explores the potential dangers and provides solutions to consider in the planning and design phases.

Power distribution, HVAC, and control networks are all being affected by the move from tungsten to solid-state lighting. Infrastructure design decisions are not easily reversible, yet the timing of the change to solid state lighting is not precisely known. How much air conditioning? How much power? When can the dimmer room be eliminated? These are all questions that theatre designers are grappling with. This panel would seek solutions to these and other infrastructure questions.

It is often forgotten that theaters are not built by architects and contractors, but by clients. It is the client who identifies the need, creates the vision, writes the brief, raises the money and eventually, after many years of hard work and determination, hires a team to start the design process. But as the project moves into the world of architects, project managers and consultants, a new set of challenges awaits. This session will offer practical advice and guidance to clients on how to successfully organize your resources and manage your theatre project.

An open discussion of the methods that the City of New York uses to develop new arts facility projects, the challenges they face and the outcomes of the process.

This panel will explore the blending of the old and the new; the equipment required for current day performances and the physical limitations of a building designed for an earlier time.  The panel will address ways to raise the load ratings or older structures while still maintaining the space to allow for a wide range of performance types.  HVAC, power requirements and lighting will also be discussed.

What's the impact on theatre design of voluntary and regulatory approaches to sustainability? On the voluntary side, LEED is the front runner. But is it the best approach and are there viable alternatives? The regulatory approach has been around at least since ASHRAE 90 was adopted. What has been the impact of California's comprehensive new green building code mean for theatre design?

Theaters of any size will incorporate equipment that is suspended in the upper reaches of the space. A responsible design must include provisions for access to this equipment without undue expense or exposure to risk. In this session we will present the access requirements for some basic elements of theater design and explore the balance of function and cost for some common solutions.

Sponsored by the American Society of Theatre Consultants (ASTC)

The Changing Face of Backstage Broadway: A conversation with Local One IATSE

Stagehands offer their insights on the evolution of technology on the Broadway stage over the last 30 years.

Two Case Studies in the Pacific Rim

A look at the Bali Theatre, a 1200 seat purpose built theatre in Gianyar and the Q Theatre, a 350-450 seat variable format venue in Auckland NZ.

As planners and designers of performance venues, we owe it to our Clients to deliver not only a great looking and functioning building, but one that fulfills the intrinsic need to make sure it's filled with audiences over time: a building's success is measured also by its Owner's success.

Adaptable Acoustics in Performance and Rehearsal Spaces

A lively discussion of the rationale, techniques and effectiveness of diverse approaches to making spaces acoustically more suitable for their users

Designing for the Next Ten Years

How do we determine what performers, designers, directors and the public will want in a new and constantly changing electronic age?

A look at the project and the benefits stemming from the monumental undertaking.

Stage Lifts/ Edge Safety

Efficient Design Ideas for Theatres: How To Do More With Less

This session will feature a learned panel hosting a round-table discussion of design ideas that can maximize design efficiency for projects who have modest budgets

Today's theater artists choose to perform in an ever-wider assortment of spaces - purpose built theaters, adapted buildings, and found spaces. As the definition of theater space continues to evolve along with the art form it contains, and as technology, commerce, and economic pressures impact artistic desires, recalling what it is about theater space itself that we truly value becomes increasingly important. Theater Consultant Joshua Dachs (Fisher Dachs Associates) will be joined by director David Cromer, NY Times Drama Critic Charles Isherwood, and scenic designer Narelle Sissons to discuss some key experiences they have had in their lives that have inspired them and shaped their thinking, and what their own core values for theater space actually are. The hope is to foster an ongoing dialogue about we value most in the design of theater spaces.

The very popular NATEAC 2008 panelists are reunited to review the recently revised ADA standards and their impact on the entertainment industry.

Techniques on getting the best products at the best prices

The ability to quickly convert from audience seating on risers to a flat floor makes a huge difference in a performing arts center's programming and revenue potential. Case studies will include the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville and the Tobin Center in San Antonio. The panel will discuss how flat floor technology impacts a venue's operations, income, and architecture.

In light of recent events, it is likely and perhaps inevitable that industry standards and codes will continue to be adopted into law. The panel will present a discussion of the state of Building Code requirements as they currently affect the entertainment industry. In addition, the panel will discuss possible future legislation; including providing comment on national and international standards likely to be adopted into law.

Although classical music has a long history of being performed in a wide range of venues, most contemporary audiences associate these performances with formal concert halls and opera houses. Recent years, however, have seen the emergence of classical music performances in unlikely spaces ranging from small clubs to cavernous open rooms. Audiences have responded to these performances with enthusiasm and growing attendance, which invites the question: What is it about these spaces that makes them work so well while bearing so little resemblance to more traditional halls? This session will examine that question from the perspective of the performer, audience member, and designer.