When it comes to theater design and construction, the small business owner is facing a lot of options. Creating or updating a commercial theater is a matter of planning, sound equipment and sound advice. With a wide range of sources and avenues of information available, finding the basic facts and figures on cinema theater construction is key.

Whether you choose to hire a professional theater construction company or perform your own movie theater construction, research and planning are the key to your success. When it comes to the basics of theater design and construction:

1. Know the latest designs, equipment and prices associated with theatre construction.
2. Consider budget and layout when it comes to theater construction.
3. Consult with professionals in the world of theater design and construction.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Read commercial theater design magazines and sites to gain an understanding of industry trends

Commercial theater design and construction has changed a lot in recent years in keeping with the radical rise of new technology. By subscribing to or browsing industry magazines, the small business owner can track designs changes and popular equipment as well as review prices and innovations.

I recommend: Cinema Treasures is an cinema industry news site that offers information on everything from cinema construction projects to the latest in cinema equipment development. Film Journal International offers industry guides, commercial theater news as well as blogs and columns of interest to the commercial theater owner.

Research the basics of getting started in the movie theater construction business

By reviewing some of the available plans, installation guides and safety requirements for the commercial theater that exist on the web, you can get an idea of how much space, equipment, construction and most importantly, money, you will need to get your project off the ground. Commercial cinema construction websites will help you list what should be included in a commercial theater design and what is surplus to requirements. Reviewing articles on starting a movie theater allows you to see the big picture of needs.

I recommend: Architectook offers an easy to read article on the basic design requirements of the commercial theater. Anderson Consulting has a list of key considerations when it comes to beginning a movie theater and can help you understand the costs involved.

Get basic information on theater design from a theatre design firm

It doesn't matter if you are researching a home movie theater design or a commercial theater design, sometimes you need a little professional help. If after researching the basic layout, equipment trends, and necessary square footage for your cinema you struggle to create a feasible action plan, it may be time to consult a theatre design firm. Sometimes just browsing their website can help clarify your vision and answer questions.

I recommend: Acoustics By Design offers some information on the sound requirements and trends for the commercial theater. Bloch Design Group offers a host of services related to theater design and include information on their latest design projects as well as a portfolio on past projects.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't waste money on consulting a commercial theater designer if you have a clear and concrete vision. Instead, spend the time checking the materials for your custom design are feasible on your budget and hiring the best general contractor to execute your vision.

Theater design and construction can be as simple or complex as you choose to put into it. You can deck out your basement for family use, or you can create a community theater for the masses.

Your cinema theater construction should be left to a commercial theater design if you are looking for a public forum. On the other hand, home movie theater construction can allow you to have a more active role. To find the right theater designer for you:

1. Decide if the custom theater designs you are looking at are for home or commercial use.

2. Look for a theater designer that shares your vision. You want to commit to a theater design firm that can take your idea from conception to fruition.

3. Take into consideration budget in your movie theater design decision.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Be the theater designer with the best seats in the house

One of the most important items the theater designer can purchase and place in the theater is the seats. Find ones that fit your budget, your overall design vision and feel great to sit in.

I recommend: Check out the seating from the TheaterSeatStore. There you can find Home Theater Seating, Sports Theater Seating, Sectional Theater Seating and Movie Theater Seating. Take a look at the theater seating, decor and concession stand products at 4seating.com.

Find the perfect staging and lighting for your stage or movie theater design

From lights, to dimmers and more, how you light your theater construction will aid in the aesthetics of the project.

I recommend: Auerbach Pollock Friedlander, Performing Arts/Media Facilities Planning and Design, and Auerbach Glasow French, Architectural Lighting Design and Consulting is a great place to start for high end media facilities that require a lighting consulting firm's opinion. Find stage lighting through Altman Lighting Co. Mainstage Theatrical Supply, Inc. is another theatrical lighting, dimming and control source. Buy new or used stage lighting from Solaris.

Find a theater construction firm to do the work for you

Use a professional firm for your theater construction project.

I recommend: Put the project to bid through BidClerk, Inc. Behr Browers Architects Inc. specializes in designing theaters, performing arts centers and sound studios. Mesbur + Smith Architects and MHB Paradigm Design also both have specialties in commercial theater design.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The benefits of investing in a commercial theater design are the profits that you will make from the endeavor. Cost is a huge issue, though, and your money isn't made off of the movies themselves. It's instead the concessions that are profit driver. So you need to make sure that your design includes an adequate if not extravagant concession area.

Movie theater construction begins with a basic understanding of theater design and construction key terms. A lot of time and money is saved by taking the time to get a handle on the basic language of movie theater design.

Unlike home theater design, the commercial theater is more standardized, less custom and restricted by architecture and economics. Basic terminology is a must for making decisions that suit your budget. When considering commercial movie theater construction begin with the following:

1. Know the different types of equipment involved in custom theater designs.
2. Realize the wealth of technical terminology surrounding theatre construction.
3. Recognize basic key terms associated with furniture and layout of theaters.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Understand the terminology behind the commercial theater's technical equipment

If hiring a theater designer for your project is out of the budget, concentrate on teaching yourself the key terms and equipment necessary for cinema viewing. This will save time and allow you to make small adjustments and repairs without having to call in the experts. Knowing what you need and what it is called is the first step in equipping a theater.

I recommend: Cinema Equipment Sales of California offers detailed technical descriptions and requirements for the commercial theater focusing on sound equipment. Another commercial site, Dolby Laboratories, offers a glossary of cinema and film terminology that can provide a starting point for further research.

Learn cinema theater construction technical terminology to save money

A movie theater construction company will cost money and will represent a large portion of your budget. Understanding the architectural and construction terminology used by experts will make communication easier for you. A little basic knowledge on industry lingo also allows you to say what you want as well as what you don't want in your commercial theater design and construction. Look over websites that offer industry information and theater construction terms to get started.

I recommend: TopFloorStore has a very detailed glossary of commercial construction terms that apply to any construction job and will help you better understand the language of contractors and consultants. AlphaDictionary.com has a great array of construction, design and architecture glossaries that will help familiarize you with the general terms used in constructing your commercial theater building.

Consider the other terms and components involved in movie theater design

Knowing the difference between a wall sconce, an over head, or recessed lighting and its placement is essential to the perfect theater design layout. Learn the key types of fixtures, furniture and fitting involved in outfitting a theater and the language associated with them. This will help with producing a budget and searching for the pieces that best suit your aesthetic and layout needs.

I recommend: Cinema Consultants is a great reference website that offers definition for many of the lighting and fixture types available on the market today. Universal Cinema Services has a simple list of basic equipment on their website that covers everything from screens to popcorn dispensers to help you become familiar with both language and need.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you are still in the movie theater theory stage, consider searching the web for blogs and home pages that feature completed projects to give you a better idea of layout and put your newly acquired terminology into a practical application.

Theaters of all types have had to change with the times, and movie theater design, theater stage design and home theater design have all had to evolve based on the needs and the changing tastes and needs of the consumer. The consumers are more technologically savvy, they like all the bells and whistles, and they demand a high quality image or a mind blowing experience. Subsequently, they will settle for no less, and if you deliver below expectations, they will find someone else to fill their theatrical needs.

As a theater designer, your job is to take into account the latest technology, aesthetics as well as technical aspects such as lighting and sound. If you are the person wanting to purchase one of these systems, wanting to build new or refurbish an old theater, you should take into account the variety of work available to compare to before making a decision as to what your style should be.

To find out more about theater design and construction news and trends:

1. Find out about the history behind movie theater design and where it's evolving to.

2. Learn more about stage theatre design.

3. Bring it all to you with home custom theater designs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn about the evolution of movie theater design and construction

Discover how movie commercial theater design has changed over the years as technology and design innovations have changed the field.

I recommend: Find out from The Hollywood Reporter about the change of the movie theater design from rectangular concrete buildings to the form and function of multiplex designs. Learn more about the Monolithic Dome style of architecture for your next cinema theater construction project.

Discover information for the stage theater designer

Find out what you need to know regarding stage theater design and construction news and trends by taking seminars and reading the latest industry publications.

I recommend: Attend a stage seminar from Stage Design & Technology Seminars to learn more about bringing your stage to life. Read more about the latest theater stage design trends from Live Design, creative, technical journal for live entertainment professionals. Sign up for their newsletter while you are there.

Take movie theater design and innovations into your home

Bring the theater design and construction into your own home to experience the fast paced, broad technology world of home theater entertainment.

I recommend: For those who want to bring the cinema theater construction into their own home, they can check out companies like CinemaTech who offer made-to-order home theaters custom built to look like a commercial movie theater design. Look at the trends in current home theater construction. See what kind of state-of-the-art systems are being put into libraries, bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms and more that Innovative Theatres has to offer.

Subscribe to commercial theater design magazines

Magazines are a great way to get timely news and trends in the commercial theater contruction and design industry.

I recommend: Commercial Construction Magazine can keep you updated with news and trends regarding all aspects of commercial contruction, including theaters. Live Design provides current news and trends in commercial theater design online and in print.