Smith Learning Theater

The Smith Learning Theater, located on the fourth floor of Russell Hall, provides an experimental environment that can be configured and curated to support innovative ideas.

Welcome

The Smith Learning Theater, located on the fourth floor of Russell Hall, provides an experimental environment that can be configured and curated to support ambitious learning, teaching, and research activities at Teachers College.

Past Events

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Games that helped us through the Pandemic (Sliding Doors Series)
The Role of games in the pandemic was explored in this event as part of the sliding doors series: A collaboration between the Gottesman Libraries and Digital Futures Institute.
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Black Student Network (Sliding Doors Series)
A workshop as part of our flash series on the new platform for Black students on campus to virtually collaborate and network with their peers.
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Student Orientation
New students got the opportunity to check out our experimental space and to learn more about available resources.
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STEAMnasium
With the Smith learning Theater space setup with several technology enhanced exhibits, students, faculty and staff had the opportunity to explore innovative ideas through enhanced technology.
Black Paint symposium
The Symposium was an interactive evening of curricular play and exploration about spatiality and sensemaking from the Curriculum Lab's yearlong Black Paint Fellowship Program.

The Space

The main Theater space is 6000 square feet with 8 columns and a theatrical pipe grid to carry elements of infrastructure (e.g., power, data, lighting control, etc.) and facilitate hanging elements (lights, projectors, screens, curtains, etc.).

Power, data, and AV systems are available at the ceiling and the floor level throughout the space permitting a virtually unlimited number of configurations.

The Smith Learning Theater now features two broadcast studios for faculty who are taking part in a virtual event or media interview.

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Furnishings

The Theater can be equipped with diverse sets of physical objects to support the learning goals of programs. Space dividers and definers set the stage for smaller scale elements and props that contribute to the build-out of the space. Both conventional stagecraft and showcase components are employed to achieve the desired effects.

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Hospitality

The Smith Learning Theater provides users with the ability to create an immersive environment using the technology and furnishings available. The lighting in the space and the shades provide for a warm reception for event participants and presenters. 

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Lighting

The Theater lighting system includes both a base lighting configuration ("House Lights") and theatrical lighting. Lighting can be designed for each program including specific lighting looks and choreographed light changes. Solar and blackout shades provide a range of natural-light options.

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Audio/Visual

Theater infrastructure supports video projections at varying scales as appropriate for content and event configurations. Video can be displayed on screens as well as on most surfaces throughout the space. Wired and wireless microphones also can be located throughout the space to permit audio amplification and capture. Speakers are located throughout the theater space to support background music, custom program configurations, and special audio effects.

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Data Capture & Data Visualization

Theater infrastructure supports a range of data-capture equipment and techniques as dictated by the needs of a particular learning, teaching, and/or research event. Real-time data can be accessed and displayed throughout the theater space. In addition to in-house capacities, the Theater supports the addition of more specialized Internet of Things (IoT) components unique to particular learning goals and events.

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Recording & Broadcasting

Theater activities can be captured on video for archiving and research purposes. Cameras can be mounted throughout the space on the ceiling grid and columns, as well as from placements anywhere on the floor. The Theater can be configured as a studio to support the production of programs for both live and delayed broadcast. Audio production and recording is enhanced by multiple audio channels, a concert-quiet HVAC system, and acoustical glass applied to the 120th Street-side windows to mitigate street noise.

Policy for Smith Learning Theater Hours of Operation

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Hours of Operation

The Smith Learning Theater (SLT) will operate from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Monday through Thursday and Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

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After-Hours Usage

  • Events extending beyond 6:00 PM on Fridays will incur an additional charge of $200 per hour.
  • This fee is applicable for every hour or portion thereof that the theater remains in use beyond the standard hours.
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Weekend Usage

  • The SLT is available for booking on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at a rate of $200 per hour.
  • Organizers are responsible for any additional fees associated with Public Safety services required during the event.
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Booking Requirements

A minimum booking of two hours is required for all events held at the Smith Learning Theater.

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Public Safety

Organizers are responsible for coordinating and covering any necessary Public Safety services for events scheduled outside of regular operating hours or on weekends. Public Safety fees will be assessed separately and are in addition to the hourly usage fees.

Prices for Columbia University affiliates who request to book the Smith Learning Theater.

Full Price Rates

4 hours

8 hours

Evening (after 6:00 pm) and weekends

$7,500

$14,000

$1800/hour

All bookings include two planning meetings and a walkthrough. There is no charge for the first planning meeting. Maximum occupancy is 330 people. Columbia Catering is the preferred vendor for food and drink service. The Smith Learning Theater is wheelchair accessible. Configurations and a full technology list available at the first planning meeting.

Support for Learning Spaces

Smith Learning Theater events
Looking to hold an event in the Smith Learning Theater? DFI can help you plan and create your event.

Consultation on creative use of space for teaching and learning
Looking to turn your classroom into an experiential learning space? DFI can help you develop your strategy

On campus lighting, space management & production support
Need support with lighting, managing or producing an event? DFI can assist from initial planning through to lights down.

Please be advised that this is a request and our team will review and contact you to follow up.

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