One of the most important considerations in any auditorium is the acoustics. This can be an extremely complex undertaking since a church will use their auditorium space for a many different types of Events. A large choir or an orchestra requires a high quality of natural acoustics in the space. This type of use is less concerned with artificial amplification and more concerned with the natural bounce and reverberation of sound within the space. Congregational singing brings a different set of acoustic dynamics to the space, with the need for some hard surfaces that will allow a person’s voice to be distinguished. The use of amplification and electronic sound reinforcement brings another level of complexity to the space, especially if the worship style is contemporary. Because of the diversity of these issues it is always our recommendation to employ an acoustical expert to help refine the design in auditorium spaces. 

The use of the auditorium for theatrical presentations is another area for specialized design. Unless the worship and performing arts pastor has an expertise in this field a church is best served by retaining a qualified theatrical consultant. Decisions on curtains and rigging, props and stage sets, and coordination of theatrical lighting must be made. This is not the kind of thing for a layman to coordinate. However, the church must decide in the early stages of design if they wish to provide for a theatrical staging area and make provisions for two things: 

1. The overhead structure must be designed to accommodate additional loading for curtains, rigging, etc. 
2. Supplemental cooling must be provided for the staging and performance space. Extra heat is generated, not only by theatrical lights, but also by the performers. 

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