theateradvies bv is a dynamic, independent theatre consulting firm based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. In this information booklet, we would like to introduce you to our working methods, philosophy and some of our projects. In our project list, you will find a large diversity of theatre projects, ranging from intimate community theatres to multifunctional, technologically sophisticated national theatres and concert halls. Our experience is extensive and we look forward with enthusiasm to any challenges large or small that a client may bring us.

1. INTRODUCTION
theateradvies bv is a dynamic, independent theatre
consulting firm based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
In this information booklet, we would like to introduce
you to our working methods, philosophy and some of
our projects. In our project list, you will find a large di-
versity of theatre projects, ranging from intimate com-
munity theatres to multifunctional, technologically so-
phisticated national theatres and concert halls.
Our experience is extensive and we look forward with
enthusiasm to any challenges large or small that a cli-
INTRODUCTION
ent may bring us.
Gerbrand Borgdorff and Louis Janssen
partners
theateradvies bv
2

2. CONTENTS
COMPANY PROFILE 7
SELECTED PROJECTS 10
SCHOUWBURG AMPHION 12
SCHOUWBURG ALMERE 14
WEIWUYING 衛武營藝術文化中心 16
MUZIEKGEBOUW AAN HET IJ / BIMhuis 18
KONINKLIJK THEATER CARRÉ 20
BIJLMER PARKTHEATER 22
THEATER DE SPIEGEL 24
PODIUM MOZAÏEK 26
CONTENTS
PHILHARMONIE HAARLEM 28
VLAKKEVLOERZAAL AMSTERDAM 30
PROJECTLIST 32
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3. COMPANY PROFILE
The Team
In order to make creative projects happen atral in Bogotá, Colombia. For us, working with clients
on time and within budget, theateradvies and colleagues is what makes the project worth doing.
bv relies on an informed, experienced, pro-
fessional, open-minded, conscientious and What is it that makes a building a theatre?
hardworking team. The relevant experiences A visitor probably thinks of an evening out. For a spon-
of the partners and staff in all aspects of thea- sor theatre is part of his marketing mix and for an artist,
tres and theatre productions including light, an usher and a technician a theatre is a place to work.
sound, design, architecture, engineering, fi- All of them are right and all their interests should be
nancial management and administration make taken into consideration. They are all indispensable, if
theateradvies bv a powerful interdisciplinary the theatre is to function properly.
team. With this combined expertise the build-
ing or renovation of a performing arts facility The Theatre Consultant
can be approached as a whole, where there Designing and building a theatre requires specialized
COMPANY PROFILE
is an awareness that decisions made on one experience as the effectiveness and efficiency of the
aspect always affects the others. facility depends on many details. The theatre consult-
ant is often the only member of the design team with
The participation of partners and staff in con- the necessary experience in the functioning, design
ferences, national and international theatre and technical equipment of theatres. Our task as a
organizations and education institutions has consultant is very broad; it is important to know the
led to a strong worldwide network, crossing characteristics of an auditorium, the stage area and
disciplines and borders. As such, we are ac- its spatial and functional relationships as well as the
tive members of the VPT (Dutch Association different types of performing arts and their respective
for Theatre Technology), OISTAT (Internation- requirements.
al Association for Scenographers, Theatre Ar- In addition to the services that we offer during the con-
chitects and Technicians) and the Society of struction and renovation of theatres, there are programs
Theatre Consultants. and projects that broaden the consulting practice.
Our theatre consultants work with organisations and
Design Team governments in the definition of safety standards in
Our firm has been a member of many inter- theatres and advise on a workable and sustainable
national design teams giving us extensive ex- implementation of new standards. We have also been
perience working with architects, engineers, involved in analysing, reporting and making recom-
acousticians and other professionals. Ad- mendations on existing theatre situations in a country
ditionally, we have built alliances with other or specific city with plans to improve its theatrical in-
theatre consultants such as TPC in London, frastructure.
Shozo Motosugi in Tokyo and Arquitectura Te-
6 7

4. COMPANY PROFILE
The Work Process
The design and planning of all aspects in a
theatre project are scheduled in a timely man-
Respecting Schedule and Budget
ner within the context of the design and con-
While our main task it to make a good theatre, schedule
struction process. In general, this work can
and budget are key factors in defining the project. Our
be divided into two main tasks. The general
starting point is that the funds and time available must
task of theatre planning: the development
be wisely spent. Proper planning can assure these tar-
of the whole project as an effective and ef-
gets are met.
ficient theatre, and the specific task of design
of performance equipment: the preparation of
Safety in the Theatre
specification, organization of the tendering
A central factor in the development and the design of
process and supervision during construction
theatre equipment is safety. The flying system, techni-
or installation. The following issues are cen-
cal bridges, stage lifts and in general the theatre’s tech-
tral during this process:
nical infrastructure are objectively designed, following
COMPANY PROFILE
practical experience as well as industry standards.
The Client’s Interest
The client’s interest is central to our work. We
follow our agreements strictly, working to plan
and on budget.
Certified Work Process
Our work process follows strict proce-
Independent
dures, which are ISO 9001 certified.
Our firm is independent; therefore our only
interest is to provide unbiased, viable, func-
tional and practical theatre consulting serv-
ices to the client, users, architects, engineers
and other consultants.
Consulting as an Interactive Process
An optimal design by definition requires an
active and constant communication with the
client, the users and the design team through-
out the entire process from conception to
completion of the project.
8 9

5. SELECTED PROJECTS
SELECTED PROJECTS
10 11

6. Doetinchem
SCHOUWBURG AMPHION the Netherlands
The new Schouwburg Amphion is to replace the old
building, which no longer suits the growing number of
spectators nor today’s safety and technical require-
ments. The 870-seat large auditorium is horseshoe
shaped with two balconies and boxes on the first level
reminiscent of theatres from the 18th and 19th century,
contrasting the contemporary aesthetic of the eleva-
SCHOUWBURG AMPHION
tions and lobby. The small auditorium references its
predecessor and is set up as a workshop theatre. The
flexible seating system gives theatre artists the possi-
bility to experiment with different configurations.
Client: Cultural Centre Schouwburg Amphion N.V.
Project: New theatre with two auditoria
Commissioned for: 2009
Architect: Mecanoo Architects
12 13

7. Almere
SCHOUWBURG ALMERE
the Netherlands
Almere is renowned for its waterfront display of ar-
chitectural works, including the new theatre complex
by prize-winning Japanese architectural team SANAA
(formed by Kazuyo Seijima and Ryue Nishizawa). The
building is a juxtaposition of water, light, shadow, solid-
ity and transparency that surrounds the events taking
place in the Schouwburg Almere. Within the three prin-
cipal volumes, one finds the three auditoria (1050, 350
and 150 seats).
The large auditorium is used for opera, ballet, mod-
ern dance and musicals. With its moveable ceiling ele-
SCHOUWBURG ALMERE
ments, the volume of the space is variable allowing for
an optimal acoustic environment for theatre, chamber
music and recitals. The rear stage wall of the 350-seat
auditorium as well as the sidewall of the small audito-
rium are fully glazed and overlook the water.
The coordination among the audio-visual, lighting and
network subcontractors resulted in the development of
a single, complex, refined network where all the techni-
cal disciplines come together and operate throughout
the building and are controlled digitally. The large audi-
torium was awarded the “Best Auditorium Award 2007”
by Installation Europe.
Client: City of Almere
Project: New theatre complex with three auditoria
Commissioned: 2006
Theatre Installations: € 6 216 050
Architect: SANAA / ABT
14 15

8. WEIWUYING Kaohsiung
CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Taiwan
衛武營藝術文化中心
WEIWUYING CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 衛武營藝術文化中心
theateradvies bv, in conjunction with Mecanoo archi-
tects, won the competition for the new National Per-
forming Arts Centre in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. This 100
000 m2 theatre complex built in a large metropolitan
park, will be the largest of its kind in Taiwan. The de-
sign includes a concert hall with 2300 seats, an opera
house with 2000 seats, a playhouse with 1000 seats
and a black box theatre with 200-500 seats. An open-
air theatre will be built on the roof.
The concert hall’s 2300 seats circle the stage and in
this manner, despite the large quantity of seats, cre-
ates a rather intimate environment. The stage is com-
posed of concentric stage lifts.
Chinese and Taiwanese opera as well as western oper-
as and musicals will be presented in the Opera House.
Side and back stages have the same dimensions as the
main stages, allowing for quick set changes. The under
stage area has a height of 11 meters so that scenery
can be built up while the main stage is in use. In the
stage floor are five large stage wagons on lifts and the
entire stage area is equipped with an automated fly
system, composed of fly bars, point hoists and chain
hoists on a crane system.
Client: Council for Cultural Affairs, Taiwan
Project: New theatre complex with four auditoria
Commissioned for: 2012
Budget: US$ 200 000 000
Theatre installations: US$ 20 000 000
Architect: Mecanoo Architect
16 17

9. Client: Muziekgebouw aan het IJ and BIMHUIS
Project: New concert hall
Amsterdam
MUZIEKGEBOUW AAN HET IJ / BIMHUIS Commissioned: 2005
the Netherlands
Construction: € 32 000 000
Theatre installations: € 2 600 000
Architect: 3N (Nielsen Nielsen Nielsen)
The floor of the large auditorium is made up of 8 plat-
forms on elevators, allowing for many possible con-
figurations. The sidewalls of the stage can be rotated
and even be removed. The back wall of the stage may
also be removed. This flexibility allows many different
musical styles, varying from intimate chamber music
MUZIEKGEBOUW AAN HET IJ / BIMHUIS
to large symphonic orchestras, to be optimally experi-
enced. The reverberation time in the concert hall can
be adjusted from 1.5 to 3.5 seconds with the moveable
acoustic ceiling.
The new concert hall, Muziekgebouw aan
het IJ opened its doors to the public more
than 100 years after Amsterdam’s tradition-
al concert hall, the Concertgebouw. Just as
its predecessor did in its time, this modern
musical complex is destined to promote the
contemporary music scene. It houses a large
multifunctional concert hall with 725 seats or
standing room for 1500; a small auditorium
with 150 seats and a venue called the BIMhu-
is, for jazz and improvisation, with 250 seats.
The unique technical design of the concert hall
allows the space to be transformed acousti-
cally and physically to the specific wishes of
composers and musicians.
18 19

10. Client: Koninklijk Theater Carré
Amsterdam Project: Technical facilities upgrade
KONINKLIJK THEATER CARRÉ the Netherlands Commissioned: 2004
Theatre Installations: € 2 500 000
Architect: Greiner Van Goor Architecten
Koninklijk Theater Carré, originally built as a circus
theatre is now one of most important Dutch ven-
ues for musicals, cabaret, popular music, dance
and opera. This historically significant theatre was
renovated in 2004 to meet the needs of a modern,
KONINKLIJK THEATER CARRÉ
multi-use facility. This required an extensive im-
provement of both stage and public amenities.
A new grid was installed above the stalls in the audi-
torium, and the grid above the stage was upgraded
to a power flying system. The rigging for these per-
formances used to be a dangerous and tricky affair,
but due to the innovative grid and rigging system,
these daily problems have been solved.
The flexibility created by installing lifts in the auditorium
floor creates a time and cost effective method to adapt
the space to its multiple uses. The set up required for a
circus performance or thrust stage is a now achievable
in a matter of hours rather than weeks. The floor of the
auditorium can not only be set at different heights, but
may also be graded to achieve improved sightlines.
20 21

11. Amsterdam
BIJLMER PARKTHEATER the Netherlands
Bijlmer Parktheater is a multi-cultural centre for thea-
tre and circus performances as well as educational ac-
tivities aimed at developing young talent. It houses a
multifunctional auditorium, rehearsal spaces and work-
shops. The 280-seat auditorium is designed to accom-
modate the diverse requirements set by circus events
and theatre productions.
BIJLMER PARKTHEATER
In addition to the height necessary for a circus pres-
entation, the public often has a different relationship
to the performance area in a circus in comparison to
a theatre production. The elongated auditorium has
rounded telescopic side tiers, which can be collapsed
and flown, leaving a frontal relationship between audi-
ence and performance area.
Client: City of Amsterdam
User: Circus Elleboog Zuidoost, Krater Theater, Jeugd-
theaterschool Zuidoost, Theaterwerkplaats
Project: Multi-functional auditorium
Commissioned: 2007
Construction € 5 233 240
Architect: Architectenbureau Paul de Ruiter
22 23

12. Zwolle
THEATER DE SPIEGEL the Netherlands
Client: City of Zwolle
Project: New theatre
Commissioned: 2006
Theatre installation: € 3 000 000
Architect: Greiner Van Goor Huijten Architecten
THEATER DE SPIEGEL
The design of Theater de Spiegel accommodates dra-
ma, opera, musicals and symphonic music performanc-
es. The moveable ceiling elements allows the space to
be adapted for variable uses. By raising the ceiling, the
extra volume above the auditorium makes the acous-
tics suitable for opera and musicals, and by lowering
the ceiling, the last balcony can be covered creating
an intimate playhouse with clear acoustics for spoken
word.
The three moveable ceiling elements may be tilted to
reflect the sound as necessary. The shape of the au-
ditorium can also be adjusted by rotating the balco-
nies next to the proscenium wall. In “drama mode” the
boxes are turned inwards, to enhance the horseshoe
shape. For symphonic concerts, the boxes are lined up
with the orchestra shell on stage. In this configuration,
the lighting bridge is hoisted up out of the view.
24 25

13. Amsterdam
PODIUM MOZAÏEK the Netherlands
The Pniëlkerk, also known as the “theelichtje” (“tea
light”) in the neighbourhood Bos en Lommer in Am-
sterdam, was transformed from a church into a multi-
functional theatre. The unique character of this church
has been preserved in this transformation. The space
includes a 350-seat auditorium as well as studios and
workshops. A special seating system was developed
for this project, where the back of every seat may be
PODIUM MOZAÏEK
lowered to provide a table. This unique feature is uti-
lized during congresses, lectures and social events.
Client: Podium Mozaïek, Matrix, Kristal nv
Project: Community Theatre
Commissioned: 2005
Theatre Installations: € 333 200
Architect: OIII Architects
26 27

14. Haarlem
PHILHARMONIE HAARLEM
the Netherlands
The concert hall, originally built in 1872, closed its
doors in July of 2001 to begin one of the most ambi-
tious theatre renovations in the Netherlands. The his-
toric concert hall was carefully restored and upgrad-
ed and its capacity was enlarged to 1230 seats. The
windows and ornaments were brought back to their
original state, allowing daylight back into the space. A
new small auditorium in an amphitheatre form with 415
seats was built.
The Philharmonie has chosen a versatile automated
PHILHARMONIE HAARLEM
technical installation for both spaces to accommodate
the diverse nature of the programming. During an in-
timate concert, where little or no technical support is
necessary, the fly bars can be easily dismounted. This
may especially be desirable in the large historic audito-
rium, where the technical bridges can also be lifted out
of sight. Both auditoriums are acoustically designed for
non-amplified music and spoken word.
Client: City of Haarlem
Project: Concert Hall
Commissioned: 2005
Construction: € 16 000 000
Theatre Installations: € 1 100 000
Architect: Cie Architects
28 29

15. VLAKKEVLOERZAAL AMSTERDAM / Amsterdam
MELKWEG the Netherlands
The new, experimental 800-seat auditorium, Vlakkevlo-
erzaal Amsterdam, will complement the classic horse-
VLAKKEVLOER AMSTERDAM / MELKWEG
shoe shaped existing auditorium of the Stadsschouw-
burg Amsterdam.
Jammed between this historic theatre and the re-
nowned pop venue, the Melkweg (The Milky Way), a
creative solution and close collaboration between the
two institutions made this project possible within this
dense urban environment.
The new auditorium is a combination of a proscenium
theatre with orchestra pit and black box theatre, where
performers and audience literally share the stage. Per-
formance equipment was carefully designed for both
configurations.
Client: City of Amsterdam
Project: New auditorium, pop venue renovation
Commissioned for: 2009
Architect: Jonkman and Klinkhamer Architects
30 31

16. PROJECT LIST
Het Wilde Westen, Utrecht (2008)
Culturalis, Den Haag (2008)
Cosmic, Amsterdam (2008)
Koninklijk Instituut voor de Tropen, Amsterdam (2008)
Theater aan de Slinger, Houten (2008)
International Projects Bijlmer Parktheater, Amsterdam (2008)
Wei-Wu-Ying Center 衛武營藝術文化中心, Kaohsiung, Taiwan (2012) Cultureel Centrum, IJsselmonde (2008)
Koninklijke Bibliotheek Theater, Den Haag (2007)
Dadong Art Center 大東文化藝術中心 , Kaohsiung, Taiwan (2009)
Podium Mozaïek, Amsterdam (2006)
National Theater 國立中正文化中心, Taipei, Taiwan (2010)
Jan van Besouwhuis, Goirle (2005)
Birmingham Library and Repertory Theatre, England (2013)
Theatergroep Kwatta, Nijmegen (2005)
Kaaitheater, Brussels, Belgium (2009)
Scala, Meppel (2005)
Casino Kursaal, Oostende, Belgium (2005)
Cascade, Hendrik Ido Ambacht (2005)
Centre Culturel et Administratif, Montreal, Canada
Frascati, Amsterdam (2004)
Projects in the Netherlands
Cultureel Centrum, Bathmen (2004)
Theatres
Theater Oostpool, Arnhem (2003)
Emmen Dierenpark, (2012)
De Uitstek, Zwijndrecht (2003)
Schouwburg Amphion, Doetinchem (2009)
Theater Provadja, Alkmaar (2000)
Het Nieuwe Theater, Sneek (2010)
Hofpleintheater, Rotterdam (2000)
52 degrees, Nijmegen (2010)
Concert Halls
Schouwburg De Meerse, Hoofddorp (2009)
Concert-en Congresgebouw de Doelen, Rotterdam (2009)
Stadsschouwburg Haarlem (2008)
Stadsgehoorzaal, Leiden (2008)
Theater De Harmonie, Barneveld (2008)
PROJECT LIST
Muziekgebouw aan het IJ, Amsterdam (2006)
Schouwburg Kunstmin, Dordrecht (2008)
Philharmonie, Haarlem (2006)
Stadsgehoorzaal, Vlaardingen (2007)
Schouwburg en Congrescentrum Orpheus, Apeldoorn (2005)
Rotterdamse Schouwburg (2007)
Pop Venues
Stadsschouwburg De Harmonie, Leeuwarden (2007)
Pius X, Volendam (2009)
Schouwburg de Kunstlinie, Almere (2007)
Eemcentrum, Amersfoort (2009)
Theater De Spiegel, Zwolle (2007)
Cultuurcluster Getz, ArenA Boulevard, Amsterdam (2009)
Schouwburg en Congrescentrum De Flint, Amersfoort (2007)
Pophart, Hoofddorp (2009)
Schouwburg Odeon, Zwolle (2007)
De Melkweg, Amsterdam (2007)
Theater-Congrescentrum De Tamboer, Hoogeveen (2007)
De Metropool, Hengelo (2007)
Theater De Lawei, Drachten (2006)
Theater De Mythe, Goes (2003)
Theater De Muzeval, Emmen (2006)
Stadsschouwburg Arnhem (2001)
Stadsschouwburg Eindhoven (2005)
School and University Theatres
De Goudse Schouwburg (2005)
Eemcentrum, Amersfoort (2009)
De Rijswijkse Schouwburg (2005)
Deltion College, Zwolle (2008)
Stadsschouwburg Velsen (2005)
Hogeschool Inholland, Alkmaar (2007
Koninklijk Theater Carré, Amsterdam (2005)
Schoter Scholengemeenschap, Haarlem (2007)
De Meerpaal, Dronten (2005)
Academiegebouw Universiteit Leiden (2007)
Schouwburg en Congrescentrum Het Park, Hoorn (2004)
Openbare basisschool de Kinkerbuurt, Amsterdam (2006)
Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam (2004)
Julianaschool, Rotterdam (2004)
Studio or Black Box Theatres
Scholen in de Kunst, Amersfoort (2004)
Cultuurcluster Getz, ArenA Boulevard, Amsterdam (2009)
Almere Poort, Almere (2004)
Cité des Arts, Amsterdam (2009)
Conservatorium, Amsterdam (2002)
Vlakkevloerzaal Amsterdam (2008)
32 33

17. Images by:
Frank Greiner: 20,21
Greiner van Goor: 7, 9
Allard van der Hoek: 32,33
Rob Hoekstra: 14,18
Suzanne Jager: 4, 26, 27
Jonkman en Klinkhamer Architects: 30, 31
Mecanoo: 11, 12,13,16,17
Katrien Mulder: 19
Wim Ruigrok:15
Architectenburo Paul de Ruiter: 22,23
Daria Scagliola Stijn Brakkee: 24, 25, 28, 29
cover: Theater Orpheus, Apeldoorn, Nederland © Dura Vermeer
theateradvies bv
Herengracht 160
1016 BN Amsterdam
the Netherlands
t +31 (0)20 627 2248
f +31 (0)20 620 0296
info@theateradvies.nl
www.theateradvies.nl
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