The Exhibitor (May-Aug 1948)

high, depending upon the equipment used. Window Shutters For use in colder climates, and also for closing the boxoffice at night, an easy, quick-operating closure will need to be provided for this opening. Standard equip¬ ment for the openings may be obtained from theatre supply organizations, or may be specially designed. Some shutters slide both ways from the center, and some slide up, but the simplest and most satisfactory type will be found to be one which may be moved by hand, and which may be secured at night by simple catches on the inside of the boxoffice. It is good policy to have as much glass as possible on the front and sides of the boxoffice. Therefore, the interior must be nicely finished, and fitted with drapes which may be entirely closed. The Aus¬ trian type of drape, which may be raised in folds forming a neat valance at the top, will be found to be the most practical in the majority of installations. Just above the counter, for a 12-inch space, the glass should be etched in a de¬ sign to more or less shield from sight coins and currency on the counter. The deal plate, which should be a few inches wider than the ticket machine counterplate, must project beyond the face of the front glass in order to receive the change receptacle. A small shelf or bag rest about 14 inches below the change shelf, projecting from the front of the booth, is a handy appurtenance. It will be appreciated by the ladies. The most satisfactory material to use for the deal plate is a good grade of Belgian black marble. Stainless steel or other metal is sometimes used, but due to scratching, denting, and discoloration of both metal and wood, their drawbacks are evident. Exterior Conformity The material for the exterior of the boxoffice may be marble, granite, aluminum, stainless steel, wood, brick, or glass block, depending on the design of the balance of the entrance, with which it should blend and conform. In certain instances, the space below the counter can be used as a display frame if proper protection is made to prevent the glass from breaking. The minimum size for a boxoffice to accommodate one cashier is four feet wide by five feet long. It is sometimes necessary to increase the width to accommodate an extra cashier on busy days. The additional cashier’s window may sometimes be located on one side of the boxoffice, when re¬ stricted entrance width is a problem. The height of the boxoffice deal plate should be three feet, six inches above the level of the sidewalk. This is for the con¬ venience of the patron rather than of the cashier. Adjustable cashiers’ chairs are available to place the cashier at the proper level inside the boxoffice. In addition to the opening for change and tickets, there must also be provided, five feet above the outside sidewalk level, a speak-hole in the front glass of the boxoffice. This speak-hole should be four inches in diameter, and provided with a closure, either of special design or of standard manufacture, as retailed by the¬ atre supply houses. Air Circulation Provision in the interior of the boxoffice must be made for some storage space, tele¬ phones, push button to manager, heating, and, if available, summer cooling. In any event, an adjustable grille should be fitted into the door of the boxoffice and another in the ceiling to provide air circulation. PHYSICAL THEATRE DEPARTMENT of THE EXHIBITOR The new Dixie, Miami, Fla., is a good example of making the most out of a narrow entrance. The glass doors and lighted interior contribute. Lighting outlets and price signs should also be included. An extra duplex re¬ ceptacle will many times be found use¬ ful. A cash drawer within easy reach of the cashier, with the proper number and size of compartments, is necessary. In certain locations, it is well to consider the installation of a floorsafe for the deposit of coin as fast as it is received. Cash may be deposited through a slot in the safe. The safe, unlocked only by the manager or another authorized person, is a safe¬ guard against boxoffice holdups, frequent in some localities. Display Frames In designing the new front, the boxoffice, display frames, and front entrance doors should be studied together to make a pleas¬ ing whole. If the entrance is narrow and may not be widened in the remodeling process, then a great deal of thought and planning should be given to the construc¬ tion and the location of the standard size display frames. For a medium sized theatre, no more than four outside frames are required to accommodate the standard 40 inches by 60 inches poster. These may be a pair of comer frames, with one double frame on the corner at either side of the entrance, or a single frame on either of the entrances facing the street, plus two single frames on either side of the vestibule between the building line and the front entrance doors. Depending of course on the design of the front, the exterior frames can be combined with smaller frames on the re¬ turn pilasters or in the same plane. The smaller frames should take 10" x 12" photos or 12" x 15" stills. If the entrance is particularly narrow, frames on the re¬ turns are not recommended. They serve only to cut down the width of the en June 2, 1948 The State, Wayne, Michigan, presents an interesting use of an island boxoffice on a corner location. Because of the generous marquee space displaying Wagner plastic letters in assorted sizes, the normal display frames can be devoted to coming attractions only which makes a decidedly attractive layout. PT-10