Where to start to build a booth?

[philhaney]

Originally Posted by MillburyAuditorium

...you all may think that building a booth into our auditorium isnt a good idea, and that I am going to have to spend a lot and am going to have toruble with all the codes. I know that I will need to spend a lot, I know that I need to follow all the codes. My questions was not 'Is it a good idea to build a booth?' It was "Where to start to build a botth."

MillburyAuditorium, we understand your frustration. We have all delt with situations in various venues that, for lack of a better term, sucked. Big time.

We're not trying to put a damper on your project, and we're not saying that you shouldn't do it. Building a booth in your theatre as a legacy for your class is an excellent idea, and we applaud you and your classmates.

All we are doing here is to try to give you the benefit of our experiences in similar situations. We don't always express ourselves as eloquently as we could or should, so we come across as hostile at times.

Based on your age, what you've said in previous posts, and the way the universe functions as concearns projects like this one, you're doing the building upgrade equivalent of walking into an unknown dark enclosed space from an area of bright sunlight.

We are trying to keep you from setting yourself up for dissapointment by shedding some light into that space, as well as providing some alternatives in the event that walking into it just can't be done.

(in short, we really are just trying to help you. It just might not seem like it...)

[museav]

Originally Posted by MillburyAuditorium

I know that I will need to spend alot, I know that I need to follow all the codes. My questions was not 'Is it a good idea to build a booth?' It was "Where to start to build a botth."

I think that's what we're trying to answer. Instead of getting too far with specific issues or ideas you might be better off to be thinking in more general terms of why you need a booth and what you see as being required. Create a document that discusses what you functionally want from the booth, identifies any specific requirements such as minimum size, specific power provisions, etc. and presents a case for the booth. Don't get into how you see it being built or anything like that, just focus on what it needs to be from a functional perspective and the benefits of having such a space. That may help show the administration that there is some thought and planning behind the request. It will also provide the type of information that can help an Architect or General Contractor to provide some initial input or pricing. Then present that document to the school administration to find out where they feel you need to start and what people need to be involved.

If you are a private school then the public bid aspect may not apply but they may still have a policy to bid work or at least work over a certain dollar amount. Their insurance may also have something to say about this and who can perform the work. I would say that you could try talking to local code and permitting officials but since you don't, and can't, legally represent the school that might actually be inapproriate.

[fredthe]

Unless my searches have lead me astray, MillburyAuditorium is from Millbury, MA, a town of 13,000. The School Superintendant seems to be responsible for all of 4 schools. So, there may not be as much bureaucracy involved as in larger districts.

(But then again, we are talking Massachusetts )

-Fred

[Footer]

Building on what Brad said, you need to write up a specification for what you want. It needs to be clearly written. Specs are the "It shall contain a 16'x4' counter at 30" high" type of thing.

Writing specs is a real pain, ask anyone here who has done it. Google around for examples. It is with this spec list in hand that you have a chance of getting this thing done. That spec sheet can be passed off to a few contractors who will bid on the job. They will go with the lowest bidder and you will have a booth. They will build to code and make sure everything is done right. If things are done wrong, they are responsible, and they carry insurance for this.

So, figure out what you want. Write up a spec sheet. Take measurements. Make a concept drawing. Pass it off, hope you get what you asked for.

[MillburyAuditorium]

Originally Posted by fredthe

I think you may have missed the point. Depending on the policies of your school district, it may not be up to you to follow the codes; it may be up to whoever you are required to contract with to do the work. You are talking a permanent structure; it may not be up to you.

The first and last items can be achieved without an enclosed space. The second item (talking) won't be achieved without double-pane glass and heavily sound-deadened walls.

We (at least I) am not trying to stop you or discourage you; we're just trying to guide you with (likely, combined) centuries of experience.

Lastly, have we convinced you to keep the sound board out of any enclosed space, yet?

-Fr

Sorry if I made it seem like I thought I did everything, I simply meant I meaning the whole school.

And for the soundboard, we would do some testing with open windows and stuff to see if he can be inside, but if its just not workable he will be outside.
I have something to say about that though, I have seen MANY theatre' with sound boards inside their booths, including the Hanover, (Near where I live).

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3295/...07e6ee.jpg?v=0

Sorry for the size
(Hey! The last one is another picture of the booth I want xD)

Am I missing somethings? All the pics I see online have them inside :/

[MillburyAuditorium]

Originally Posted by Cashwalker

I'd suggest looking at cubicle-style structures like Steelcase. The panels are all UL rated and they also have electric hookups. The walls only go up to 7 or 8 feet, but the fiberglass panels block enough sound that whispering is OK, but the sound guy will still be able to hear the stage.

Thats actually what I have been looking for, I saw a place that sells pre-made one, but I just don't know if we could get it inside. I emailed them about a custom one.

[MillburyAuditorium]

Okay, My friend, the sound op, and I will be getting together and take measurements right a argument and all soon.

Also, before I go ahead with that, continuing with the Pre-Fab'd rooms, does anyone think that is good? If im not mistaken, all building codes are taken care of, and the pre made rooms just need a power connection. Just need to find one that comes apart to fit through a doorway. I think that would go over very quickly. Because if it doesnt get built within a week or so we could be in trouble. (Week meening from start to finish, not from now.)

[MillburyAuditorium]

Sorry for quadruple post.

I was bored so I made a rough rough rough sketch of what I would be looking for.

If anyone cares to see.

[Footer]

Most theatres that have a sound console inside a booth also have a snake burried in the floor that they can pull out and set up an FOH open air position. Even if you are seeing a show there and the booth in enclosed, that does not mean that during tech the console was sitting in the middle of the house. When we are in tech here, we do that exact thing. Both of our consoles are put 2/3rds back in the house. When the show opens, they are moved to a booth without glass for the run. You should be able to hear what the audience hears, see what the audience sees, smell what the audience smells.....

[MillburyAuditorium]

Originally Posted by Footer

Most theatres that have a sound console inside a booth also have a snake burried in the floor that they can pull out and set up an FOH open air position. Even if you are seeing a show there and the booth in enclosed, that does not mean that during tech the console was sitting in the middle of the house. When we are in tech here, we do that exact thing. Both of our consoles are put 2/3rds back in the house. When the show opens, they are moved to a booth without glass for the run. You should be able to hear what the audience hears, see what the audience sees, smell what the audience smells.....

You said a booth without glass. Would a booth with large sliding windows do the same thing?