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Architectural Lighting of Historic Venues - Using Illumination to Highlight Your Theatre and
Understanding the Technical Requirements
The architectural lighting design for a historic theatre needs to balance many aspects, from aesthetic to technical, and
result in a solution that reinforces the attributes of the venue while being discreet and functional. The layers of illumination from
ornate chandeliers, sconces and cove lights to aisle lights and wayfinding will be discussed. This session will explore house lighting,
lobby lighting, historic facades and marquees, as well as onstage work lights and dressing room illumination. We will focus on both
the aesthetic choices as well as the technological advances in lighting, LED’s, and control systems. We will also explore approaches
for integrating fixtures into the architecture that minimizes their physical presence while allowing the architectural features to take
center stage. The session will include a demonstration of a few LED dimming techniques to show the possibilities and shortcomings
of some control approaches. Lighting controls will be explored that range from volunteer tour operation to inclusion into the
performance show design. Attendees will gather lighting design knowledge on approaches, applications, technologies and steps to
evaluate illumination of their historic theatres.
Held in Empire A, Mezzanine Level.
Presenters: Michael DiBlasi, ASTC, IALD, Principal Theatre Planner and Lighting Designer, Schuler Shook, Minneapolis, MN; Steven
Ehrenberg, Principal, Eberg Stage Solutions, New York, NY; and Ted Ohl, Principal, Schuler Shook, New York, NY
Building Cultural Bridges in a Small Rural Community (Interactive)
The Tibbits Opera House wanted to diversify its programming to reach under-represented cultures. That effort became
a community-wide, month-long celebration with numerous organizations collaborating to present more than two dozen
events. After an abbreviated version of the full session that was presented on Monday, we will open the floor for an interactive
discussion of DEIB best practices in hopes of having a lively idea exchange. LHAT staff and board will be on hand to discuss the DEIB
grants that were announced at the opening reception. Join us for this special presentation and let’s keep the DEIB conversation
going.
Held in Chicago C, Ballroom Level. Special interactive version of session presented on Monday in Session 2.
Presenter: Christine Delaney, Executive Director, Tibbits Opera House, Coldwater, MI
James Earl Jones Theatre and Annex Revitalization - City Development Incentives, Theatre
Rehab Bonus, Restoration, Modernization and Expansion
City development programs can seem daunting and overwhelming to a client. Come join us as we dive into how city
development programs work to facilitate new construction and finance projects by reviewing the case study of the new expansion
and restoration of the landmarked Broadway Cort Theatre (renamed the James Earl Jones Theatre, September 12, 2022). Get an
inside look on the rezoning process, the historic building code coordination with the expansion’s modern codes and bringing a
landmarked structure into the future with inclusive design elements for the theatre goer, performers, and staff. This presentation
will discuss the incentive programs to facilitate historic preservation under urban redevelopment highlighting the application of
New York City’s theater rehabilitation bonus mechanism to the expansion of the James Earl Jones Theatre. Exploring the concepts
of rezoning, floor area ratios, and the key players needed for a successful city incentive process. We will explore the role of safe
areas in public assembly spaces, modifying egress routes for an expansion, and increasing travel distances to maintain code
compliance in a historic building. We will dive into the requirements for a theater rehabilitation bonus from zoning to actual
built elements, and time commitments. Lastly, we will be reviewing the methodologies for adapting historic motifs in a modern
expansion.
Held in Chicago B, Ballroom Level.
Presenters: Lena Dau-Ping Fan, RA, AIA, Associate Principal, Kostow Greenwood Architects, New York, NY; Gary A. Li, RA, AIA,
LEED Green Associate, Associate, Kostow Greenwood Architects, New York, NY; and Keith Marston, Vice President of Facilities, The
Shubert Organization, Inc, New York NY

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