Chicago Shakespeare Theater

At the helm of this innovative transformation were Charcoalblue, assuming the pivotal role of lead consultant. Entrusted with auditorium design, technical systems design, and acoustics, Charcoalblue orchestrated a brilliant ensemble of specialists, charged with the audacious task of materialising this radical design vision while expertly navigating the complex phases of procurement and construction.

The audacious project directive was nothing short of remarkable: conceive a movable auditorium, poised upon a pier, atop a parking garage, sheltered beneath a tent on the expanse of Lake Michigan! With unwavering determination, the team embraced this audacity and conceived a design that harmonised effortlessly with the aspirations of the client.

The essence of adaptability pulsates within The Yard. The auditorium transforms, from a proscenium theatre to a thrust stage, traversing platform, and even an immersive in-the-round setting. Nine seating towers, soaring four stories high, can configure to twelve distinct stage layouts, accommodating audiences ranging from 150 to 850 attendees.

This theatre stands as a testament to ingenuity, sustainability, and flexibility, all while providing an unparalleled theatrical experience. Repurposing the former Skyline Stage, The Yard ingeniously utilizes existing stage infrastructure and backstage facilities. Enveloping the pre-existing structure, the expansion interlinks with the current complex housing two other theatres, elegantly maximizing space utilization and maintaining fiscal prudence.

A few of the main features from the Skyline Stage that were repurposed are the backstage support spaces and the stagehouse. A fully enclosed, indoor theatre chamber was constructed beneath the white dome canopy but the magic is in the movable set of structural audience “towers” allowing directors and designers to create a space that works best for their specific performances.

Each movable tower is the size of a London double-decker bus, weights 17 tons and are fitted with specialist stagelighting and audiovisual systems, mechanical and electrical systems, as well as fire sprinklers and architectural lighting. The towers can be reconfigured by just three people using compressed air skid technology, similar to that used by hovercraft.

The orchestration of Charcoalblue's parallel procurement and construction strategy resonates as another stroke of brilliance. By harnessing the talents of a local General Contractor for the primary venue and engaging a specialist Canadian company for the fabrication of the towers, this meticulous dance in synchrony allowed for an astonishingly condensed project timeline.

These colossal towers, akin to flat-pack furnishings, were expediently assembled and seamlessly adapted to the multifaceted stage configurations.In a remarkable testament to dedication and collaboration, The Yard transformed from visionary concept to a splendid reality in an astonishingly brief 12-month span, all achieved within stringent construction cost constraints.