Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Paul Warchol
181,000
square-foot facility
30
depth of orchestra pit (in feet)
84
musicians can play in the orchestra pit
The centerpiece of the facility is the 2,750-seat John A. Williams Theatre. Even with its considerable seat-count, the theatre’s farthest seat is only 160 feet from the stage. The Williams stage features two electro-mechanical lifts to create an orchestra pit, which can accommodate up to 84 musicians for Broadway or opera productions. The lifts feature movable seating wagons and can convert to audience seating as needed. With a full stage house, robust back of house support spaces, and adjustable acoustic devices throughout the auditorium, the versatile theatre has proven itself a capable workhorse for the region, handling a steady rotation of high-profile, high-demand acts. The arts center also features a 10,000-square-foot ballroom.
Paul Warchol
owner:
Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority
architect:
Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart & Associates
acoustician:
Kirkegaard Associates
users:
Atlanta Opera, Atlanta Ballet, Broadway touring productions, local and regional groups
spaces:
- 2,750-seat multipurpose theatre
- 10,000 square foot ballroom
construction type:
New construction
theatre type:
Arts & cultural centers
services:
Programming, concept design, theatre planning, and theatre equipment design and specification
completion:
2007
Paul Warchol