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Architects: Axis Architects
- Year: 2009
- Photographs: Paul Richer, Richer Images
The design for Utah Valley University’s Noorda Theatre by, Axis Architects, provided flexibil¬ity through innovation. The 45 foot high theater allows a myriad of options for audience, scene and stage layout. This new black box theatre, on the UVU Campus includes a flexible seating system that can be arranged with the actors in the center with seating on two, three or four sides or as a traditional proscenium. The main theatre has black walls, ceiling and floor. Spectators are much closer to the actors since there is no formal stage and plays can be set quickly. Instead of a traditional catwalk, the team designed a state-of-the-art walk-on ceiling grid made of woven stainless steel cables. It allows technicians to adjust lights rapidly and safely above the 17 foot high “net”.
The program for the new structure includes a new black box theater with necessary supporting elements including green rooms, pre-function spaces, and mechanical and storage capabilities. Also included in the program are ticketing and waiting areas, restrooms, and supporting offices. The project also included an extensive renovation to the existing theater area, involving a white-box theater, green rooms and theater scenery shops.
