One of the largest performing arts institutions in the U.S. upgrades sound systems in three theaters
Acentech’s Studio A, a specialized acoustics, audiovisual systems design, and vibration consulting group for the performing arts, last month announced that it has completed audiovisual system design work for the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, Florida. The Straz Center is one of the largest performing arts centers in the United States and the only one with an on-site and accredited performing arts conservatory.
With five individual multi-purpose theaters in a facility sprawling over nine acres of land in downtown Tampa, the Straz Center provides an unprecedented experience to its patrons and students alike. When three of its most popular performance halls needed sound system upgrades, the Straz Center looked directly to Acentech’s Studio A to design new audiovisual configurations. Studio A worked closely with key decision makers at the Straz Center to design upgrades to the sound, video, and production intercom systems for three different venues: the 2,610-seat Morsani Hall, the 1,042-seat Ferguson Hall, and the 250-seat Jaeb Theater.
Morsani Hall in the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa, Fla. Photo courtesy of Straz Center.
Studio A’s systems consultants designed a complete digital “snake” network to increase flexibility throughout the entire facility. This was a significant upgrade to the existing analog infrastructure located throughout the venue. Moving to digital allows the venue the flexibility to locate unlimited audio connections virtually anywhere they need them. A digital wired and wireless intercom system was designed to improve reliability and flexibility for touring road shows as well as in-house productions. A new monitor mixing rig complete with mixing console, wireless microphones, and audio wedges and side-fill speakers were also specified by Studio A. By selecting matching mixing consoles and monitor rigs for each theater, the Straz Center always has backup equipment on hand to move between venues.
Jaeb Theater in the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa, Fla. Photo: ©Rob/Harris Productions, Inc.
“A systems venue update of this scale requires clear communication and coordination between the client and the design team, and Studio A’s project leadership was pivotal in helping us design these state-of-the-art sound systems,” said Lorrin Shepard, Chief Operating Officer at the Straz Center. “The sound quality of our venues is of paramount importance, and we are proud of the immersive, well-tuned sound our patrons will experience when attending performances at the Straz Center — no matter how big or small the production.”
As part of its scope of work, Studio A coordinated and evaluated loudspeaker demonstrations by multiple loudspeaker manufacturers to allow stakeholders to see and hear potential loudspeaker solutions in the halls. Based upon these demos and analysis, a single manufacturer was chosen to provide the sound systems for the three venues being upgraded. Martin Audio was the selected loudspeaker manufacturer. Studio A also provided design documents and specifications to allow AV systems contractors to bid equally on the project, and subsequently provided commissioning services to verify the accuracy of their installation. The new systems were commissioned in September 2016.
About the Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Located on the bank of the Hillsborough River, the Straz Center serves as a cultural crossroads, bringing innovative new artists and blockbuster commercial successes to the Tampa Bay community. With its award-winning outreach programs that take the arts to underserved school children and the only accredited performing arts school in the region, the Patel Conservatory, the Straz Center also nurtures the creative spark and transforms lives.
Driving $110 million annually, the Straz Center proudly supports the Tampa Bay economy and is one of the largest performing arts institutions in the country. In addition to five theaters, the Straz Center has three restaurants and a brand-new coffee shop, SteamHeat Cafe. For nearly 30 years, the Straz Center has solidified its place as a valued community partner dedicated to enriching the lives of people living in and visiting Florida. For more information, please visit http://www.strazcenter.org.
About Acentech’s Studio A
Studio A is a specialized consulting group of Acentech, dedicated to providing world-class acoustical, audiovisual systems design, and vibration control for the performing arts. With more than 60 years of consulting heritage, Studio A’s integrated approach and multi-disciplinary capabilities enable it to create the best acoustical conditions possible in support of the art of the performance – beautiful sound, state-of-the-art audiovisual systems, and a quiet backdrop unencumbered by noise or vibration from building systems or external sources. For more information about Studio A, please visit Acentech’s Studio A or on Twitter at @AcentechTweet.
