On building a theatre Stage construction and equipment for small theatres, schools and community

"On Building a Theatre" by Irving Pichel is a guide from the early 1900s that looks at the specific details of constructing stages and equipping smaller theatres, schools, and community centers. The book emphasizes the need for careful planning in theatre design, so architects and designers can create spaces that work well for performers and audiences. It advocates for integrating the stage and seating area and paying close attention to sound and lighting. The guide kicks off by pointing out how bad design choices and old habits often lead to problems in theaters, especially in schools. Pichel suggests that instead of copying old designs, theaters should be built to meet modern needs, making them more useful and supportive of the arts in the community after World War One.