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Folger
Shakespeare Theater |
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Location: |
Folger Shakespeare Library, Washington, DC. |
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Program: |
Acoustical renovations to improve room
acoustics for speech and music. |
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Budget: |
$175,000. |
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Schedule: |
Design completed 1994. Construction
completed 1995. |
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Working with the Folger Shakespeare Library, Acoustical
Design Collaborative, Ltd performed
acoustical measurements and developed stage
modifications to improve acoustical
conditions for a 350-seat Shakespearian
Theater. In addition to plays, the theater
is used by the Folger Consort for
renaissance music performances. Acoustical
measurements indicated insufficient stage
sound projection. A large ceiling tapestry
above the stage was found to provide
excessive sound absorption due to a thick
layer of dust behind. Removing tapestries
and angling selected wall surfaces improved
stage sound projection while cleaning the
ceiling tapestry improved sound
reflectivity. A “voice lift” sound system
with discretely positioned loudspeakers near
the audience increases voice levels.
Basement level pumps caused annoying tonal
noise in the audience area. Vibration
isolators installed on the pumps and piping
solved the noise problem. The renovation of
the Shakespeare Theater, along with the
adjoining Great Hall, provides renewed life
to this historic Capitol Hill landmark.
Indeed, “all the world’s a stage and all the
men and women merely players.” |
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