Boston University — Booth Theatre and Production Center

Designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects, with Auerback Pollock Friedlander (theatre consultants), the new facility is part of BU’s $50 million consolidation plan to bring the theater program back to Commonwealth Avenue after 33 years on Huntington Avenue. The new building doubles as a maker-space/ lab for theatrical production technology, where students get hands-on experience with lighting, sound, costuming and stage design.

The 75,000 SF modern, steel-beamed, glass-filled facility includes a 250-seat flexible theater; backstage performer and technical support spaces; lobby and front-of-house spaces; production spaces including shops for scenery, costumes and props; office and studio spaces for faculty; and classroom and lab-style teaching spaces, including a lighting lab and design studios.

Acentech provided acoustical consulting (room acoustics, sound isolation, mechanical system noise control) for all phases from Schematic Design through Construction and Commissioning. Booth Theatre opened in early 2018 to much excitement and acclaim, ushering in renewed enthusiasm and visibility for the theater program at Boston University.