Repository: UIHistories Project: Dedication - Assembly Hall [PAGE 12]

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1,500 additional portable chairs on the central floor. Thus it will have maximum capacity for events that will attract huge crowds and yet require only a moderate-sized speaker's platform. This arrangement might be used for Presidential campaigns, for University Commencement or similar official events, for convention sessions with outstanding speakers, and for student rallies. To switch the Assembly Hall into another setup, a tractor will take out the chairs in trailer-loads of 120 each and then return with the elements of the demountable stage. Erected on the central floor, this stage can be 48 by 96 feet, or in a wide variety of 8 by 8 foot modules, It can be used as an uncomplicated platform or, with addition of theater draperies, it can be a well-equipped theater stage. Eighty-five feet over the central floor is the unique theater grid. When the building is used as a theater, the grid will support the full array of theatrical draperies — huge masking draperies at the front and sides for the full height, a traveler or opening curtain at the front, sets of borders and legs on stage and a backdrop. These will be brought forth in trailers and raised into position by power winches on the grid. Also on the grid can be theatrical scenery and settings. Operation of the draperies and grid will be from an electronic console at the side of the stage. The technician will set a dial for the distance and direction he wants a given set to move. Then, on cue, he can flip a switch that will start that movement. The system is accurate to within an inch. The full stage will accommodate road companies of Broadway musicals or dramas, large opera companies, ballets, symphony orchestras — any type of event that might appear on a stage any place. For programs of serious music, the Assembly Hall will have available an acoustical shell that will provide a sound-reflecting surface for

the sides, back, and ceil! a similar surface that wi arch out over the first modern canopy. When the draperies, set* the Assembly Hall can Some 225 panels of the into place. Stanchion: placed in floor inserts south ends of the floo board will be winched high grid. If the floor i arena shows, it would b equipment so the show area or add to it such s] ice rink, swimming or d or huge rubber floor ma For exhibit purposes, tr the Upper Concourse, c; tables or booths for disp the case for the Junio: May, for example. Large Seating Capacity fixed seating plus the sp give it a total basic sea nearly all other multi-pi tion, more fixed scats Garden, the Los Angel burgh Public Auditoriui Unique Theater Grid . the central arena is the a steel, cable and elect that of any other stru similar electronic grids plan invented by Dr. University. Only this battens as opposed to purpose buildings havt grids. Many have tr;

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