Theatre Design & Technology - Fall 1986 - 35

THEATRE ARCHITECTURE

tween the academic district occupied by the Uni versi ty and the el1tertainmel1t zone of Broadway. The
refurbishment of the Paramount has
spurred redevelopment in the area,
and new hotel, housing, retail and
parking facilities are already under
construction or in design.
The refurbishment of foyers and
the auditorium involved bringing
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both areas up to modern standards of
code and comfort provision together
with a major redecoration and
revitalization of the spaces. Backstage, all of the equipment was
replaced, the most complex piece being a flown orchestra shell which
was carefully planned by the design
team to appear to be a natural extension of the auditorium when in u e
without any suggestion of impermanence. A particular problem
was the shallow depth of stage, only
29 feet - toO short to accommodate a
full symphony orchestra and choir.
The sollltion was to knock large
holes in the rear wall of the stage and
locate the choir loft in the adjoining
studio building.
The third phase of the developmel1t of the Portland Cel1ter for the
Performing Arts will be the construction of a 900-seat intermediate
theatre, designed primarily for
drama, musicals, and dance. A '+50seat showcase theatre for use by the
many diverse community and professional groups in the city will complete the Center in 1986.

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Shovvcase Theatre
Opening: 1986
Seating Capacity: Variable, up to .+20
Expected Use: Drama and Recital
Presenta tions
The Showcase Theatre is designed to
accommodate a wide range of uses
by both communi ty groups and local
professional groups. It is a flexible
space with seating capacities varying up to 420. It is planned that this
space will provide a bridge between
the many small tore front locations
currently in use and the larger
spaces available in the performing
arts center.
The range of uses anticipated for
this space is very wide, including not
only performances but also exhibitions, civic functions, banquets,
etc. In terms of performance it can
be used for drama, dance, smallscale recitals, and children's theatre,
among others. In order to accommodate this wide range of activities, extensive research led to a proposal to
construct a flexible courtyard form
of theatre which, while able to offer
a challenge to experienced users,

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was also small enough in scale and
simple enough to use for nonprofessional groups.
The main floor of the audi tori um
is entirely flexible and carried on a
large ele\'ator with a separate orchestra pit elevator in front of the
stage. These can be raised to stage
level to provide an extensive flat
floor for promenade performances,
exhibitions, or other events. The)'
can be lowered and covered with

conventional seating in endstage,
thrust stage, or arena forms. It can
also lower to basement level to give
access to seating storage. The main
body of seating is surrounded by
three levels of gallery, the first located at stage level with tWO above.
Backstage facilities are shared
wi th the adjoining Intermediate
Theatre. The foyers of the tWO
buildings link and focus on a large
multi-level reception area. TO",,-T, FALL 19 6

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Theatre Design & Technology - Fall 1986