The Burbank Auditorium Modernization project involved the modernization of the interior and exterior of the entire 30,000 square-foot Burbank Auditorium building originally built in 1938, as well as a 5,000 square-foot addition.
The building was completely transformed from the inside out—providing significant upgrades to circulation, interior design, technology, building systems, seismic resisting and theatrical production systems—all while restoring the integrity of this 80-year-old, red brick heritage building at the core of the campus. This was especially challenging given that the original building was a combination of concrete, steel, and other materials. The key programmatic elements of the project include tiered seating for 400 people in the main auditorium, a new 200-seat multi-use “studio theater,” expanded public lobby, plus support spaces such as a rehearsal studio, makeup lab, costume shop, dressing rooms, green room and scene shop. It also allows outside groups to utilize the performance spaces for music, dance, and general education without compromising the primary theatrical functions. A strategic renovation and expansion, this project respects the qualities of the 1930s gem, while providing the programmatic and state-of-the-art technological amenities desired by students and patrons.