Additionally, during the restoration, architectural techniques were included to help sound quality in the auditorium. Before the work, sound would echo or reverberate because of the auditorium’s flat walls. As part of the restoration, barrel rolls were formed in the ceiling and back walls of the auditorium to refract the sound. This along, with a new sound system, would greatly improve the quality of sound during performances.
In fact, Lolly Barnes, who helped create the master plan to guide the restoration eight years ago, said that more needs of performers and user groups will be addressed in future phases of work.
“We’re going to rest on our laurels for a while,” said Barnes, the city’s historical administrator. “But in two years or so, we’re going to look at other components of the master plan, such as additional rehearsal space, dressing rooms and space for set construction and design. This may require an annex to the building, which would require another massive capital campaign.
“That’s down the road. Right now, we want to allow the public – and the user groups – to enjoy what we have. Work of this scale is very disruptive on the schedules of the user groups, and we want to keep the theater up and running for a couple of years before we start planning to address other issues.
“This is a time to celebrate a milestone.”