Theatre consultant
A theatre consultant specializes in designing performing-arts spaces, the equipment these spaces need, and how they operate. They provide practical, independent advice for theatres and other public venues, helping owners and architects plan, design, and build these complex facilities.
In North America, the main professional group is the American Society of Theatre Consultants (ASTC); internationally, the Institute of Theatre Consultants serves a similar role. Many theatre consultants are not members of these organizations. Unlike architecture or engineering, theatre consulting is not licensed in the same way everywhere. The Institute accredits consultants based on proven work and runs a Code of Practice with training. To join the ASTC, a consultant usually must have earned most of their income from theatre consulting for at least five years, completed at least five major projects, follow the Code of Ethics, and not work for firms that manufacture, sell, install equipment, or act as contractors for performance facilities.
The typical consultant is knowledgeable about building codes and the Americans with Disabilities Act as they relate to theatres, auditoria, and concert halls. They usually design specific theatre systems such as lighting, rigging, orchestra-pit lifts, seating (fixed and movable), and acoustical canopies, among others. Some firms also offer acoustical or audio-visual consulting, though these are specialized areas.
Theatre consultants may work directly for a venue or organization, or they may be hired as specialists by a project architect or engineer. Services can include planning new facilities, planning refurbishments or repurposing existing spaces, or redesigning and assessing individual production systems.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 06:57 (CET).