ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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At The Imaginarium we made a similar transition from a stage in the middle
of everything to a demo theatre area. Our demonstrations are on the hour
after school and weekends -- we recently added a video projector and DVD
surround sound system for short science films (this month's 2pm movie is
dinosaurs and next month is money).

We do not charge an additional fee but when we have groups over 15 we do
private demonstrations and ask that they don't join the public shows. 

Our demonstrations are 15 to 20 minutes long (shows that use the planetarium
tend to run a little longer), we have a looping video shown in the room
(currently remote sensing images of Alaska) in-between shows sort of like
they have at the movies.

The room dimensions are around 30' x 40' with a small stage-like area at the
front with spot lights and bench setting for 50 to 60.

If I could change one thing -- I would replace the hard stadium benches for
comfy theatre seats so we could offer longer programs and more adult
programming -- but you lose the "SQUEEZE TOGETHER SO WE CAN ALL FIT"
flexibility of bench seating.

Good Luck!

Linc
www.imaginarium.org 

-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Katherine Paronto
Sent: Friday, December 03, 2004 9:10 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

[log in to unmask]

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