Motion Picture Herald (Jul-Aug 1936)

The floor is level with the street. Is there any other way I can fix the height? I don't want to spend much money, as I don't have it. Does the Government loan money for this purpose? I know it is a paying proposition. — H,. N. C. THE ANSWER: the best seating arrangement will be a center bank of 13 seats with aisle on each side, and two wall banks of four seats, making the total of 21 seats across the width of the auditorium. The length of the auditorium, 100 feet, will accommodate 38 rows of seats. Allowing for distance between apron and front row of seats, the capacity will be 798 seats. An incline of 8 feet in the auditorium floor is just about the minimum. The first 20 feet from the stage may be level. Make the incline for the next first 15 feet, 9 inches; the next 15 feet, 12 inches; and so on, increasing the incline 3 inches for every 15 feet of floor space. A ceiling height of 7 feet for lobby is rather low. The minimum should be 8 feet, 6 inches. You may obtain this by placing the top of the projection room ports on the same level with the bottom of the beams of the auditorium, and extend the upper part of the projection room through the roof. Two exits near the stage will not be enough for an 800-seat house. It will require four — two near the stage, and two near the rear wall of the auditorium. Perhaps you can use steps inside of the auditorium to reach the grade line for exits. The Federal government has made loans for theatre remodeling purposes. I suggest that you consult your banker or write the Federal Housing Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, D. C. THE QUESTION: there is A garage building here which I am considering remodeling into a 325 to 350-seat theatre. It is 30x120 feet. Side walls are of brick, and it has a level cement floor. Of course the floor will have to be taken out and elevated. Kindly advise best seating arrangement, also approximate cost for heating plant and air conditioning. Give me your advice about layout of box office, lobby, foyer, restrooms and distance from screen to first row of seats. — J. D. THE ANSWER: the best seating arrangement for a theatre 30 feet wide is a center bank of 13 seats with a wall aisle on each side. To obtain a seating capacity of 350 seats, you will require 27 rows, or a minimum of 67 feet, six inches. Place the box office in center of building at sidewalk line, with a set of double entrance doors on each side. Set entrance door flush with back of ticket booth. This will prevent doors projecting beyond front of building when open. The width of the lobby will be 15 feet, and the depth 15 feet. This will leave space on each side of lobby for men's and women's toilet rooms. These toilet rooms should open from the foyer. The width of foyer does not have to be over 6 feet, and the foyer should extend across the width of auditorium, connecting with wall aisles. Locate the projection room and manager's office above lobby and rest rooms. The minimum distance between screen and first row of seats should be 20 feet. I advise you to consult a local heating contractor to obtain an accurate estimate for heating and air conditioning, as he can inspect the premises and familiarize himself with existing conditions. THE QUESTION: I am contemplating building a new house, which will have a total seating capacity from 600 to 700, in the same locality where my present theatre is located. I would appreciate your sending me booklets or publications containing suitable designs for buildings of this capacity. Please note that this country is in the tropical zone and the temperature in my locality ranges from 80° to 100°. I would therefore appreciate your giving me suggestions as to a ventilation system. You may send me also suggestions as to the appropriate building materials to be used and appropriate cost for building of outside wooden construction or concrete. Proposed seats for balcony 150, orchestra 500.— N. Q. THE ANSWER: THIS DEPARTMENT may not supply actual designs for theatres. I suggest that you look over carefully, past issues of the Better Theatres. You will find many floor plans and photographs and descriptions of interiors and exteriors, which should give you some of the ideas you seek. For building in tropical zones, it is paramount that the building be properly insulated, so as to keep the heat out ; special study should be given in regard to roof insulation. My opinion is that concrete walls should be very suitable to your climate. The inside of these walls could be furred for plaster, and the space between the furring could be filled with insulating materials. Where cold water is obtainable, airwashers generally can cool a theatre very satisfactorily at a relatively moderate cost. Of course, the best results are obtained by mechanical refrigeration and related equipment, but I fear this method is too expensive for you, not only in installation, but also in operating cost. Ventilating and air-conditioning methods have been extensively discussed in Better Theatres, particularly by J. T. Knight, Jr., in his department, Equipment and Operation. I suggest that you look up these articles, or perhaps you might do well to write this publication specifically concerning your air supply problems, giving all information possible concerning climatic conditions, availability of cold well water, maximum cost, etc. The finest in America 0 DISTINCT/VE FURNITURE ^ makes your lobby or lounge ROYALCHROME distinctive furniture, with its superior styling and graceful lines — colorful upholstery, tailored and built to withstand hard usage, produces effects that appeal — and at small cost. OUR CATALOG sent on request will give you remodeling suggestions of value. ij^rrMft#lf METAL MF6. CO. <M U^VfcMi *>JS><> " ITletal furniture Since'97 " 1150 S. Michigan Blvd., Chicago 25 West 45th Street, New York BRANCHES IN Los Angeles Toronto Boston Pittsburgh San Francisco July 25, 1936 41