Your Perfect Venue

[Jezza]

As part of my LONG TIME goals, I want to own/operate a venue somewhere in the US. After I'm sick of touring, want to settle down and have kids, all that jazz. I've been thinking about the actual venue itself a LOT lately -- I really want it to be as perfect in every respect possible -- hence the question:

What are the most important parts of a venue for you? What set ups or systems have you seen that work really well that you would like to see everywhere else? What are some specific things you think could be implemented to create the perfect venue?

[PadawanGeek]

The perfect venue would have a great crew and unlimited amounts of cash...

[avkid]

Must be historic.
In my dreams it is this gem that sits near the banks of the Hudson River in Troy,NY.
She is perfectly sealed with a new roof and windows, plaster repair and polish are all that's required.
http://cinematreasures.org/theater/3113/

[Techiegirly]

More than anything the perfect venue will have a TD/head honcho who isn't a complete jerk. My favorite house to work in doesn't pay the best and doesn't even have a fly rail system (we hang everything with chain motors that are moved around from event to event). The reason it's the best is that the TD is one of the nicest most understanding people I've worked for. He'll show you how to do something if you're not sure without making you feel like an idot for not knowing.

[Jezza]

I live about an hour south of Troy -- I'll have to go check this theater out.

I know what you mean though. I feel a venue has to have some sort of history, some purpose, some character. I hope for my venue to be of the caliber of the venues that I lose and respect. Places like The Gorge, Red Rocks, SPAC, MSG etc have this sort of majesty and respect throughout the industry. I hope for my venue to someday be of that caliber. It will also be the 1st 100% sustainable venue in the country I'm hoping.

[avkid]

Originally Posted by Jezza

I live about an hour south of Troy

I'm about 3.5 hours West at the beginning of I88.

[cvanp]

At first glance I thought that was Proctor's Theatre in Schenectady (which is relatively close to Troy). Kind of confusing since the one in Schenectady is a fully operating theatre, and just had a big expansion too. It is interesting that F.F. Proctor felt it necessary to have two theatres with the Proctor name so close together... but nonetheless it would be pretty cool to run a venue.

[BillESC]

If you want to see the closest thing to perfection in a theatre just go to Radio City Music Hall in NYC. The ONLY downside I see is the load in, if the stage was street level life would be easier.

Otherwise it is the best venue with the best crew I've ever had the pleasure to work in.

[kovacika]

I'm right next door to both Proctor theaters, and would love to see the Troy Edition restored to its former glory. The Proctor's in Schenectady is thriving, I actually worked there for a year immediately following the expansion. It be very cool to see another old theater (such as the Palace in Albany, or the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall) in the area operating.

oh---A fully sustainable theater? How will you manage to do that.....there is so much waste involved in the lighting aspect alone.....you could reduce the waste of a theater, but idk if you could make it completely sustainable. your ideas?

[avkid]

Originally Posted by kovacika

I'm right next door to both Proctor theaters, and would love to see the Troy Edition restored to its former glory.

Which would require plaster and new fabrics.
Almost hermetically sealed.
Probably a couple million for the building though.
Last I heard RPI was trying to give it to the city.