The new Atlas, located in a historic movie theatre complex that uses parts of the original Art Deco structure, includes four theaters for drama, music, film, and dance performances. The project is part of a larger revitalization effort in this area of Washington, DC, bringing much needed practice and performance space.

Shen Milsom & Wilke’s work required versatility. The 300-seat main theater needed to support community meetings and cinema presentations, as well as live performances. The 200-seat black box theater must work in a range of configurations, and two lab theaters double as rehearsal spaces.

Integrating technology and infrastructure into the historic structure was the first challenge. Each theater includes flexible audio and video production technology to support constantly changing productions. Theater control booths manage sound and lighting. Production intercom, performer paging, stage monitoring and office paging systems are integrated and managed by the facility’s technical director. The entrance lobby includes multimedia capabilities for special events.

Acoustic concerns included sound transmission among the various spaces. The theaters were particularly dicey due to their close proximity.

The space also includes dance studios, offices, dressing rooms, lobbies, a café, production, rehearsal space, and offices. Support spaces include dressing rooms, green room, production storage, scenery shops, costume shop, production and administrative offices and an entrance lobby.

© Michael Moran

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