Project Description: New Facility; Acoustics; Sound, Theatrical Lighting, and Stage Rigging System Design — Oxford wanted a performing arts center that was equal to the task of their relatively extensive programs, which include such demanding performances as the upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz. Although the room shape and size were determined by the necessary seating capacity, the architect gave AVL Designs Inc. a great deal of freedom within that design to place materials and shape the side walls and ceilings. The entire space utilizes split-faced block and gypsum, and the shape and angles of the side walls and ceiling work with these materials to produce a well-diffused and well-mixed sound. The space sounds excellent, with or without use of the sound system, and there have been several unaided choral and band presentations in the space that were a testimony to the acoustics of the room. The sound system was designed with a careful integration of precisely placed loudspeakers to the time constant of the original source(s) on the stage. This allows the audience to hear in synchronization with what is actually happening in a performance. Equipment used in the system ranges from EAW AF and JF series loudspeakers, a Crown IQ USMA 10 front end, and an auto-mixing control by IRP to the main Soundcraft console. Built-in day-to-day presets, which can also be controlled from the front of the house, allow users to switch settings as needed. During performances and productions, operators can also change over to various equalization settings quickly. This space also has the ability to tie in performances to a cafeteria area at the rear of the auditorium to provide about another four hundred seats. This is accomplished through the use of a video projector and time delayed EAW MK series loudspeakers, which are integrated with the stage source in the same way that the auditorium speakers are. Even when the sound system is not in use, such as for the aforementioned choral and band presentations, there are stereo microphones in place for use in recording unaided performances. The theatrical lighting system utilizes Wybron color changing fixtures placed in coves to cover the stage. The coves were necessary because catwalks were not able to be included in the space, but the system controls allow a variety of ways to adjust the system without ladders. On-stage, there are four electrics and border lights, and in the rest of the space the house lighting provides an even coverage of thirty foot candles. Due to budget constraints, the district had to implement a dead hung rigging system. Although not what AVL or the district had originally hoped for, the system is set at a median height that can be used with ladders. This allows the school to use the system for all the normal requirements of performance rigging, just without the luxury of counterweights. The school is thrilled with what their new space can do, and there have been many good reports from events held in the room.