Learning Theater

COVID-19 College Update

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.

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 host conferences, exhibitions, screenings, panels, dinners, and receptions. If you have another idea for an event, please let us know and we may be able to accommodate you.

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.

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.

Hospitality

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Example Configurations

This slideshow contains approved layouts to help meet the needs of your event.

Layout A - 11 Tables and Seating for 160

“Entry” is the reception area of the Learning Theater. Typically this area is used to display food and drinks during some events.

North side of the LT is showing break out groups that are partitioned by fabric and white work walls.
South side of the LT is showing rows of plenary seats facing a speaker or panel.

Layout B - 26 Tables and Seating for 136

Layout B illustrates our round table group plenary style. The wooden Taylor round tables fit up to eight people. There are several projection screens that can make slide decks and multimedia visible to participants in the plenary.

Layout C - 25 tables and seating for 40

For an exhibition or an event that requires tabling around the LT, this is an ideal setup. This setup enables you to strategically position artifacts or staff on each table to deliver a message during the event.

Layout D - 28 Tables and Seating for 110

A conference style set up that accommodates 100 participants. This is a special set up where speakers interact with participants constantly. The speaker is positioned in the center of the big conference circle. The strategic positioning of the speaker enables them to pivot from one position to the other. Each breakout group has a work wall for brainstorming ideas during the conference.

Layout E - Seating for 200

This is an ideal set up for a panel or a single focal point for the audience in the Smith Learning Theater. With AV equipment and the option for many projection surfaces around the LT this can be a great set up for up to 200 people.

Reservations

If you would like to make a reservation, please fill out our Reservation Request form. Please note, that we are not scheduling new events for the Learning Theater until campus is open again.

Priority deadlines for Learning Theater applications are due by August 10 for the spring, December 10 for the summer and April 10 for the fall. After these dates, applications will be honored as space permits on a rolling basis.

Once a reservation is accepted, we will work with you to produce your event. Production includes planning and logistics, connecting with the technical team, and rehearsing.

View our fees.