Learning Theater

COVID-19 Smith Learning Theater Update

The Smith Learning Theater is currently closed for all in-person events. However we now feature two broadcast studios for faculty who are taking part in a virtual event or media interview. 



A logo for the Learning Theater on a black background

Welcome

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

 

Upcoming Events

Open to the TC Community

The Smith Learning Theater offers an entirely new range of possibilities for supporting ambitious learning, teaching, and research activities of the Teachers College community.

We now feature two broadcast studios for faculty who are taking part in a virtual event or media interview.

 

Carousel

The Learning Theater is used to exhibit works of art, including sculpture and painting
Students and faculty discuss research in the Learning Theater
Participants enjoy the reception after an event in the Learning Theater
A student gives a presentation in the Learning Theater
Students engage with their seminar in the Learning Theater
A young student works with an instructor on a physics experiment in the Learning Theater
Students discuss research during a demo at the Learning Theater
Data Conference in Smith Learning Theater

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. 
 
Studio I: Lecture Set Up
Studio I is set up to support a lecture or similar event. It includes: 
  • TC branded podium
  • High end camera
  • Professional lighting
  • Enhanced audio
  • Teleprompter
  • Branded w TC banner behind the podium
  • Confidence monitor 
Studio II: Panel Discussion or Media Interview Set Up
Studio II is set up to support a speaking engagement where it works to be seated. It includes:
  • Club Chair
  • High end camera
  • Professional lighting
  • Enhanced audio
  • Teleprompter
  • Branded w TC banner behind the chair
  • Confidence monitor  

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.

 

A reception area for ticketing and registration activities supports Theater events. Sponsors can make tickets available to the College community and beyond.

The space can accommodate over 100 guests with some approved layouts (based on firecode restrictions), although events with 60 guests offer the optimum active learning ratio (OALR) of 100 square feet per learner.

Refreshment stations and food serving areas can be configured to meet program needs. Adjacent restrooms and coat check locations are available.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Faculty Broadcast Studios

How to Book
You can book the space by emailing tcinvite@tc.columbia.edu. You will need to book the space as far in advance as possible - first come first served!

Staffing & Social Distancing
The studios are staffed so you don't worry about set up but it is also socially distanced. We will only schedule one studio at a time and ask that only the speaker come to the studio. There will be one member of the Smith Learning Theater on hand to assist in the set up. 

Note: We will keep a close eye on the usage of the studios and revise the process/procedure if/when necessary.
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