16 - Performers’ accommodation and rehearsal space

Abstract

This chapter discusses performers' accommodation and rehearsal space in an auditorium space. Most of the older buildings have been upgraded in recent years, and it is at present in the fringe theaters that the most primitive conditions are found. Actors may have to spend long hours in their dressing rooms, not only during and between performances but also during rehearsals. Therefore, a distinction should be made between dressing rooms, used by actors and other performers for changing into costume and applying stage make-up, and changing rooms, for musicians and others who, for instance, change from outdoor clothes into evening dress. The scale of provision of dressing and changing room accommodation depends on the type of production and will range from one shared room for men and women to a complex including special rooms for stars, shared rooms for other performers, chorus rooms, musicians' rooms, and rooms for conductors and soloists. The rehearsal room should be close to the dressing rooms, and it is an advantage if it is also close to the stage and workshop. Rehearsal studios for dance and ballet productions have many requirements similar to those of rehearsal rooms for drama and opera. All rehearsal spaces need good sound insulation to avoid disturbance both of and by rehearsals taking place in them.