Weather and Three Theatres

The rich variety of weather conditions the residents of Grand Haven, Michigan experience makes the topic all the more important to consider. How do the materials used perform in different conditions, and at different times of day? How do day, night, rain, fog, snow and ice affect the transmittance and diffusion of light, and how can these characteristics be used to heighten an individual's awareness and engagement of the surrounding environment? How can they heighten the experience of going to the theatre, indoors and out?

Through careful and measured use of a variety of glass scrims of different textures and colors, working with a palette of inviting materials and an attention to detail at human scale can create an atmosphere that changes with the weather. Rain can cause emitted light to be consumed by the inky blackness. Fog may cause a structure to appear to be supported by a buttress of projected colored light. The glow of light through fallen snow shall tickle the curiosity and must be explored and touched. Silhouettes moving through space hint at actions unfolding.

These elements of light, material and weather, choreographed together in Grand Haven, create urban spaces that allow performances to unfold by all present individuals. By being at the theatre, you are a part of the theatre.

The amphitheatre sits just off the corner, beside the black box theatre. Raised planting beds, including small trees surround the amphitheatre off the corner of Washington Avenue and Harbor Drive, with a wooden pergola holding the corner.