Humanities Theatre gets an upgrade

If you’ve attended a town hall, a major public lecture, your child’s dance competition, or taken PSYCH 101, you’re likely familiar with the Humanities Theatre in Hagey Hall. In 2021 the Faculty of Arts took over the management of Waterloo’s main venue for large-scale events, which started with closing the theatre for extensive renovations to improve the experience for audiences, staff, students, and external rental groups.

While the Humanities Theatre was designed with the latest innovations in the 1970s, it was in great need of updates to keep pace with 21st century production technology and safety standards.

“In the last four years, we’ve made some huge leaps forward in terms of health and safety as well as client satisfaction,” says Janelle Rainville, Director of Production and Theatre Operations (Communication Arts).  “People are very happy, from what we've been hearing from our clients. The renovations aim to attract higher-calibre performances and events and improve our students’ access to learning professional technical theatre skills.”

Improved safety

One major change audiences will notice is increased safety on the balcony, including new railings and safety glass. And the auditorium is brighter with new LED house lights.

Some upgrades that audiences hopefully won’t see are the fire curtain and heat-activated smoke vents. “The fire curtain was previously made of asbestos. It’s now fiberglass and integrated with the fire alarm system,” said Carlos Fernandez, Technical Coordinator. “If the heat sensors backstage are activated, then the curtain drops to protect both the stage and audience.”

“We’ve also added emergency lights and upgraded all exit signs,” adds Rainville. “Now the theatre is well-lit even during a power outage.”

The theatre is much safer for the crew as well, with added railings on the catwalks and backstage area, as well as additional safety harness points.

“Backstage, one of the biggest changes is the counterweight rigging system—it’s been completely replaced,” says Fernandez. “Overall, everything is much safer now. Many of the lighting battens are now motorized, which is a huge ergonomic improvement for the crew.”

And the trap door in the stage that no one used? That potential hazard was removed when the stage got a makeover.

“The stage was one of the first things we tackled,” says Rainville. “It wasn’t structurally sound — bolts were coming out of the walls. We rebuilt it with new steel and secure attachments.”

Technology gets an update

While the Theatre’s analog electrical system may have been state-of-the art in 1970, it is now fully digital, saving space and improving functionality.

Also new, the soundboard was upgraded and there are now video monitors in the dressing rooms and other backstage areas allow performers and staff to see what’s happening on stage, allowing for better coordination.