Revolving Auditorium

Year2021

CategoryCivic Amenities

LocationTýn nad Vltavou

StatusDesign

The tradition of amateur theatre in Týn nad Vltavou dates back to the mid-19th century, and the revolving auditorium in Bedřichovy sady has been a prominent part of it since 1983. The venue was built by local volunteers on the site of a former castle and Celtic oppidum and still retains its distinctive, community scale. The modernisation therefore improves comfort, technical facilities and operations without changing its character.

The auditorium itself undergoes the greatest change. Raising it improves sightlines to the stage, and capacity increases from 220 to 260 spectators. The benches are retained, as they help create the informal, homely atmosphere of the place.

The dressing rooms, storage and technical facilities are also being expanded, access to the stage is improved and the venue is made accessible to people with reduced mobility. The design thus builds on the long tradition of the local theatre while bringing its operational capabilities up to date.

Client	Divadelní spolek Vltavan
Design team	Martin Krupauer Pavel Kvintus Martin Sedmák

Tradition and Individuality

Given its ageing technical condition, the revolving stage from the 1980s needs to be modernised. The most significant changes will be made to the audience area. By following the ideal sightline curve, the auditorium will be raised, giving visitors a better view of the performances. Its capacity will also increase from 220 to 260 spectators.

Performers can look forward to more comfortable dressing rooms more than twice the size, and technicians to convenient direct access to the stage.

Storage space for equipment, scenery and costumes will also be substantially enlarged. Enabling people with reduced mobility to watch performances goes without saying. Unlike the only other Czech revolving auditorium, in Český Krumlov, benches will be retained here instead of conventional theatre seats. The theatre will thus keep a certain individuality, its homely human scale and its tradition.

The Theatre as Part of the Park

Bedřichovy sady is a popular local park and meeting place. Besides theatre, it hosts concerts and an open-air cinema. The architects therefore decided to underline the significance of the revolving auditorium and acknowledge its importance to the place. The result is a bespoke skin for the revolving stage made of programmable LED lights that can be controlled as required.

Even passers-by could play with the lights via an app. Whenever there is no performance, the theatre will glow like an interactive lantern in the park.