Exhibitors Herald (Apr-Jun 1922)

THEATRE EQUIPMENT SUGGESTED PLAN FOR A SMALL THEATRE At the request of Babcock & Phillips, exhibitors at Galien, Michigan, the Herald presents through its Theatre Equipment Department, a layout for a motion picture theatre on a site measuring 2j feet wide by 80 feet deep on which Babcock & Phillips propose to build. Complete description of the property and expert recommendation and advice is contained in the sketch on the preceding page and the analysis in the article following. While it is not aimed to render full architectural service for 'various reasons, it is believed that a service of this type, which shows the possibilities and limitations of a location for a modern theatre, is one that should prove exceedingly valuable. Every exhibitor should be able to glean valuable information from the plan and the discussion of the various features of its adaptability to the particular site. The theatre which Babcock & Phillips desire to build would have a ating capacity of about 300. As stated previously their lot measures 27 et wide by 80 feet deep. It is an inside location. They desire a stage ifficiently large to accommodate amateur theatricals, as well as an effecve method of heating and ventilation. The important features in conjc'tion with the proposed theatre have been sent to Babcock & Phillips, •gether with a blueprint of the plan. Some of the comment is published ;rewith to give other exhibitors an intimate knowledge of many of the actical phases suggested. Expert study of the property shows at the narrowness of the lot and its lall depth make it impossible to ac•mmodate .'lOO seats in the auditorium contemplated. Arrangements have en made, however, as shown in the ans, for extending the seating capacity > over the lobby by elevating the rear ws by use of step-up platforms. The ats contained in this raised portion of e platform will offer very good sight les and will enable the use of every uare inch of the property for auditorm purposes. The box office is located on the street ies and features a lobby entrance with pplay frames and two sets of doors nich open out, allowing use of one •or for the main entrance and the other .•or for exit only. Has Small Store Space The space made available at the rear '>rtion of the auditorium could be conniently utilized for a small candy or ■p-corn shop on one side and the opfsite side could be conveniently utilized r toilet accommodations for ladies and ildren. We doubt whether it would be advis'le to go to the expense of providing a sn's toilet which could only be accomshed by an expensive excavation under e front portion of the building. The seating arrangement suggested d indicated on the main floor contemates the use of some cast iron veneered back opera chairs, set in a radius to give the house a comfortable and cozy appearance. These chairs would be about 20 inches wide on an average. The center aisle is graduating and sloping in conformity with the double pitched floor as indicated on the longitudinal section of the plans. Can Use Adjoining Wall Emergency exits are provided for by utilizing the unoccupied portion of the rear lot on the left hand side, and using the private alley-way which adjoins the property on the right hand side. We suggest, in keeping with the desire expressed, a small stage with two small dressing rooms. With reference to the wall of the building adjoining, which permission has been granted to use. It is permissible to make use of the party wall by arranging proper supports for the rcof girders. The plastering and decorative effects can be applied to the present wall. The feasibility of this plan, however, should be checked up by the architect who should have full information as to the thickness of this wall and the footings thereunder. The basement plan shows the location of a modern forced air heating and ventilating plant which can be installed at a very small expense. The air is taken in from a point well up above stage floor level through the intake and is blown by the use of an electrical fan through a steel heater delivering the air thus heated through an air duct and mushroom openings in the floor of the center portion of the auditorium. Gives Cooling Effect Conveniently and properly placed exhaust heads on the stage and in the auditorium ceiling will provide a ventilating system that can also be used during the summer time when the fan can be operated to give a certain amount of cooling effect and assure a proper change of air. In this manner the room will always be kept sweet and void of any odors and foul air. The excavating provided for this heating basement also provides a room for the janitor and coal storage. Access to the basement is gained from the outside. The floor construction indicated up over the air duct and over the unexcavated portion of the building up to the line where the balcony step-up starts should be executed in reinforced concrete, which can be done at a comparatively small cost. This will provide a permanent floor with ample fire protection. The operators booth has been designed to accommodate two projection machines and is of sufficient size to accommodate the projection apparatus as well as a rectifier. Serves Two-fold Purpose As an extra precaution, as indicated on the sketch, the combination wood and iron balcony can be built, which will answer as a fire escape for the elevated portion of the auditorium. In that way pockets are avoided and in case of emergency, the patrons will find exits at the end of each aisle and aisle-way no matter what part of the building they are in. This balcony also gives an impressive appearance to the building proper as the architectural effect on the plan conveys. The longitudinal section shows the relation between the stage, the pitched floor and the step-up and indicates roughly an inexpensive method of beautifying the walls, which are plastered plain, b'y the use of neat lattice work. In the front elevation a pressed brick front is suggested, galvanized iron cornice, galvanized iron coping and vases. The display frames also could be done in galvanized iron. The cross section shows the proscenium opening.