THE PHOENIX PROJECT: A NEW PERFORMING ARTS CENTER FOR THE
ROCHESTER BROADWAY THEATRE LEAGUE

WHAT WE NEED

• A high-visibility site of 20 to 25 acres providing a building footprint of 3-1/2 to 5 acres.

• Convenient access to and from the local roadway/expressway system.

• Total building area: 150,000 – 200,000 sq. ft.

• Main auditorium seating capacity: 3,000+.

• Primary stage area including wings and a six-story fly tower (37,000+ sq. ft.)

• On-site office areas for RBTL administrative staff (14,000+ sq ft.).

• Lobby areas on all levels accommodating souvenir and food and beverage service before, during and after performances.

• Lobby areas available for private events.

• Compliance with all ADA requirements for use of the facility.

• Dressing room areas: 18,000+ sq. ft.

• Workshop and costume areas: 3,000+ sq. ft.

• Rehearsal and theatre arts education areas: 3,500+ sq. ft.

• State-of-the art HVAC facilities.

• Adequate rest room facilities throughout the facility.

• Parking areas for 1,500 vehicles, including buses and trucks. Direct access from parking areas for performances and advance box office purchases.

• Surrounding roadway system adequate to facilitate movement of 1,500 cars in and out of the site without major congestion.

• Loading/unloading areas with four truck docks and areas for 20 tractortrailers.

• Ability to conduct loading and unloading activities (including the use of fork lifts and other machinery) on a 24/7 basis (although most activities will occur from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.).

• Separate patron, VIP and artist entrance and reception areas.

• Kitchen and catering facilities for patron, VIP and artist activities and for private receptions.

• Architecturally engaging and affordable building design.

• Signs and marquees that enhance the building design.

• The ability to conduct a wide range of activities on the project site both inside and outside the building.

WHY WE NEED IT

• As explained in the attached essay by RBTL Board member Phil Puchalski (August 2, 2009 Democrat and Chronicle), the existing facility will not support RBTL's future operations:

• A 2,400-seat auditorium is not large enough for many touring artists and Broadway productions.

• The lack of air conditioning makes the theatre unusable from two to four months every year.

• The stage is too small for many Broadway and other productions.

• The building lacks adequate dressing room, rehearsal, workshop and costume areas.

• The venue does not have enough room to meet a growing demand for educational programs.

• There are not enough bathrooms.

• The lobby is too small, and areas for souvenir and food and beverage sales are inadequate.

• Parking and safety are viewed as problems by some of our customers.

• Without an up-to-date venue, the Rochester area will be unable to attract top-shelf theatre events.