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Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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Hi Katherine:

We used to have an open area and when we expanded our facility 3 years ago added a demonstration theatre/stage.  What a great addition to our facility.  The way we built it includes 2 large overhead doors which we open on weekends for our public demos.  This allows free flowing traffic in and out of the demonstration. Since these are usually fairly lively, we get a lot of influx of visitors.  During the week we do not do public demonstrations and utilize the space for school programming.  We still do science demonstrations but no in a quiet controlled area.  A couple of things that we added in when we built were no smoke detectors/heat detectors since we like to blow things up, and a huge exhaust fan to clear out smoke sometimes not too pleasant smelling fumes.  The other consideration that we made was a very high ceiling which allows us to produce some really cool and high shooting flames without fear of starting a fire.

We also utilize most areas of our facility as multi-use spaces and have included in our demonstration area full AV capabilities including Internet Access, video projection, controlled theatre lighting, and full range sound system that can be operated from the stage or back of house.

Our theatre uses bench seating for about 80 with extra room (40) for standing visitors.

If you would like pictures of our space please let me know and I'll send you a couple of pictures.

Regards,


Max Scharfenberger
VP Programs
Odyssium
11211 142 Street
Edmonton, AB  T5M 4A1
phone: 780-452-9100
fax: 780-455-5882
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-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Katherine Paronto
Sent: Friday, December 03, 2004 11:10 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Science Demonstration Theater


ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
*****************************************************************************

I work at a medium sized science center and am preparing a case study 
for a demonstration theater.  We would be using it to do science 
demonstration shows that would last between 20 to 40 minutes. Currently, 
we do these shows out in the middle of our center.  We would love to 
have a space where we could control noise, crowds, etc.   I am 
interested in how other centers use their demo theaters.  What type of 
programming do you use?  What is your attendance like?  Do you charge an 
additional fee?   If you do charge, what is the yearly revenue?  Do you 
reschedule groups or is it all walk-in?  What is the square footage?  
What are some lessons learned or best practices you could share with me? 

You are welcome to reply to the list or to me individually.  Thanks for 
the help!

Katherine Patterson-Paronto
Program Manager
Science City at Union Station
Kansas City, MO

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