The Susie Sainsbury Theatre, Royal Academy of Music

The Royal Academy of Music is an institution of world renown, training nearly 700 students from over 50 countries in over 20 musical disciplines. It is Britain's oldest conservatoire and was founded in 1822. Many famous musicians singers, players, conductors and composers have studied at the Academy. Flip was the Project Leader for Fisher Dachs Assoicates (FDA) working with Ian Ritchie Architects (now Ritchie Studios) on a major overhaul of the Susie Sainsbury Theatre. The works improved the ambiance of the auditorium, the seating capacity (to over 300) and extended the performance and technical provisions. A new gallery was inserted, the orchestra pit enlarged, and the technical systems replaced. The flying height within the stage house was increased, along with improved access to the auditorium. In addition to an automated flying system and renewed lighting infrastructure, a stage wing was provided to enable the Royal Academy of Music to stage larger productions. A great showcase of finely coordinated technical systems within a beautifully detailed auditorium scheme.