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Reimagining the Tom Patterson Theatre

Educational Session

Designing a new theatre to replace a beloved but inadequate performance space took the Stratford Festival on a journey of discovery. An international design competition winnowed a long list of architects to one - one which had never designed a theatre before. The winning design by Hariri Pontarini Architects will be examined in close detail for how it met the client's objectives to provide a versatile, multi-use facility with a state-of-the-art auditorium. Stage dimensions and capacity would be similar to the former theatre but enhanced in every respect.

The technical considerations include advanced lighting and sound equipment to meet stringent acoustic and energy-use objectives for the LEED Gold design. This case study of the new Tom Patterson Theatre reveals the wide range of options and decisions made to create a performance space to take the Stratford Festival into the future.

After attending this presentation participants will be able to:

• Gain an understanding of how a theatre company, architect and theatre planner align to pursue a shared goal of excellence. It is a rare occurrence to have all three disciplines together to review a project.
• Appreciate the considerations to enhance all aspects of performance and back-of-house facilities.
• The reasons behind material selection – from stage wood to sound-absorbing wall and ceiling elements.
• By including a range of amenity spaces, how the festival is able to leverage versatility from this theatre.
• The role of sustainable design in a performance space – typically not the most energy efficient building type.
• How this theatre integrates its setting within a community and provides a welcoming presence.

Presenters: Doron Meinhard, Associate Partner, Hariri Pontarini Architects, Greg Doughtery, Technical Director
Tom Patterson Theatre, Stratford Festival and Joshua Dachs, Principal-in-Charge, Fisher Dachs Associates

Doron Meinhard is associate partner with Toronto-based Hariri Pontarini Architects. His extensive experience on cultural and institutional buildings includes managing the complex and multi-award-winning Bahai'i Temple of South America. Meinhard has led signature and large-scale projects including the Richard Ivey Building at Western University and The Welcome Project at the Royal Ontario Museum.

Greg Doughtery is the Technical Director of the Stratford Festival's Tom Patterson Theatre. He is thrilled to have been a part of constructing and opening this new venue. Previous roles include Technical Director of Canadian Stage, Theatre Aquarius, Opera Hamilton, as well as working with several Canadian music artists on shows around the globe.

Joshua Dachs is one of the world’s leading theatre consultants and has led Fisher Dachs Associates’ consulting practice for over 30 years. Drawing on his background as a violinist, an architect, and a theatrical set and lighting designer, he has provided planning, programming, and design for projects worldwide. He has created some of the most innovative, flexible, and transformable venues in the world.