Performing Arts Centers

Designing A More Flexible Space

Creating An Immersive Experience

SJSU Spartan 6206 B

Whether you are restoring a theater or designing a contemporary space from the ground up, the goal is to immerse audiences in the experience. At the same time, your space needs to be flexible and versatile.

Performing arts centers are moving away from the stage-plus-lounge model to one that offers adjacent rooms for events, lectures, music, and experimental performances. Venues need to be adaptable, allowing for flat lines as well as graduated seating in order to host workshops, classes, and events that can bring in new sources of revenue.

Plus, with the growing role of technology, it’s important to consider how multi-media experiences can be integrated into your overall plan.

If you’re looking to build a performing arts space, Irwin has over century of experience collaborating with theater design teams. Our teams can help you create an immersive experience, complete with:

  • Fixed, telescopic, and modular seating options
  • Customizable solutions to meet your aesthetic
  • Smart, multi-media and experiential options
  • Choices of materials, shapes, colors
  • Seating that offers flat or raised sightlines based on the space
  • Durable seating that is easy to clean, move, and store
  • Guidance on proper cleaning solutions and maintenance procedures

Do you have an upcoming project in mind? Irwin has been designing theater solutions for more than a century.

Reach out to our team today and let’s discuss your next project.

Blog Post:

Selecting Fabrics & Finishes

Smith Center 9

The combination of fabrics and frame finishes you choose give your venue its unique look and feel. At Irwin Seating, we offer a wide range of options for both, and can also, when needed, accommodate custom requests.

Blog Post:

5 Things to Know about Seating Configurations

Resource De Vos

The configuration of the seating in your auditorium is a major factor in capacity, comfort, and the overall experience for your patrons. There’s a lot to consider when it comes to the seating configuration of your auditorium, so we’ve got the basics laid out here to help get you started.

Case Studies

Featured Projects

Clowes Memorial Hall

Indianapolis, Indiana

Clowes Memorial Hall is the anchor of the Butler Arts & Events Center. With 2,148 seats and a history of presenting artists dating back to 1963, the venue remains Indiana’s most versatile and professional performance space, having welcomed the world’s greatest talent and personalities.

Clowes-Hall-7688
Thomas Aquinas College

Santa Paula, California

Thomas Aquinas College has earned a national reputation for academic and spiritual vigor. St. Cecelia Hall provides the College with a beautiful concert hall that includes a mix of fixed and telescopic seating for a flexible space.

Tac Cecelia Hall 0534
Minskoff Theatre

New York, New York

The Minskoff is one of the Nederlander Organization's nine broadway theatres and currently hosts Disney's The Lion King. The 1,600 seat theatre is located a minute's walk from Times Square and includes custom Davies chairs.

Minskoff 3741