The Evolution of Flexible Space in Theater Buildings Has Called for Innovation in Stage Technology

A Welcome Change – An Auditoria Article

Recently published in Auditoria, A Welcome Change describes how flexible space has evolved in theaters. From temporary floors manually mounted on top of fixed wooden seating backrests in the 19th century to the traditional telescope and chair wagon conversion methods, flexible halls are nothing new. But in 2002, a novel independent row/lift system developed by Gala Systems – in which theater-style chairs could be raised to variable heights or concealed underneath the floor structure – made it possible for venues to switch between multiple configurations in just minutes.

This important breakthrough in auditorium design occurred shortly after the shift which saw theater buildings move from being bastions of culture to urban connective centers. From then on the performance environment of these more sophisticated buildings, now homes for traditional performing arts as well as gathering places for communities, had to be reimagined with more versatility.​