Chicago Shakespeare Opens its Third Theater The Yard on 9/19

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) opens its new, innovative third theater on Navy Pier, The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare, with the inaugural performance-James Thierrée's The Toad Knew-on September 19. Introducing a new trend in theatrical architecture, The Yard combines adaptive reuse with innovation in flexible design.

"The Yard is forward-thinking and responsive-and a fitting expression of the theater that Chicago Shakespeare has become," said Criss Henderson, Chicago Shakespeare Executive Director. "The versatility of the space means that it is perfectly suited to the widest range of our work: from large-scale musicals and new commissioned works, to international imports and programs for young audiences, and, of course, bold imaginings of Shakespeare's plays and the classics."

Adaptive Reuse and Sustainability
When planning the expansion, Chicago Shakespeare leadership took both an economically and environmentally sustainable approach by deciding to repurpose elements of the underutilized former Skyline Stage on Navy Pier, transforming it into a fully enclosed, indoor theater. The new, 33,000 square-foot expansion connects through a spectacular, two-level glass lobby to Chicago Shakespeare's existing building-home to the 500-seat Courtyard Theater and 200-seat theater Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare.

Collaborating with CST Executive Director Criss Henderson, the team behind the forward-thinking designincludes: top Chicago-based firm AdrIan Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG), winner of the 2015 American Architecture award and designers of the Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia, soon-to-be the tallest building in the world-along with award-winning, UK-based theater consultancy firm Charcoalblue, whose projects include venues for the Royal Shakespeare Company, The National Theatre of Great Britain, and St. Ann's Warehouse in Brooklyn.

Construction on The Yard began in March 2016, and was completed in a whirlwind 18 months by Bulley & Andrews. More than 200 architects, engineers and designers, and 400 construction workers contributed to the complex build, which incorporated 2,500 tons of concrete, 375 tons of steel, and 15 miles of electrical conduit. Eighteen 95-foot-long micropiles were driven into the lake's bedrock below Navy Pier to support the additional weight of the new structure. The fully enclosed, year-round theater chamber was constructed below the iconic white tent with exacting engineering specifications, resulting in less than 6 inches of clearance at the narrowest point between the steel beams and tent canopy. The existing stage house and backstage support areas of the former Skyline Stage were all refurbished for reuse.

The decision to employ adaptive reuse in the architectural design reduced building costs dramatically, bringing the total cost to $35 million-far less than half of the projected estimates for entirely new construction.

AS+GG Founding Partner Gordon Gill noted, "At the foundation of my philosophy is the idea that 'Form Follows Performance'-and nowhere is that more clear than in The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare. Its ability to adjust and adapt to the needs of the art is enuinely innovative...and we've accomplished it in a sustainable and cost-conscious way, which I believe will make it a model for theaters to come."

Significantly reducing energy costs for the Theater, the two-story lobby curtain wall has been fabricated with 3,200 square feet of electrochromic SageGlass®, which adjusts the windows' level of opacity depending upon the level of sunlight (akin to transition lenses used in eyeglasses). When the glass is at its most opaque, the Theater's curved façade is virtually mirror-like-reflecting the stunning views of the Chicago skyline and lakefront.

Innovation in Flexible Design
The Yard features a first in flexible design: nine audience seating towers-each the size of a London double-decker bus, stood upright-which can be rearranged in a wide array of configurations, with audience capacities ranging from 150 to 850. Between productions, compressed air skid technology (commonly utilized in industrial and aeronautical settings) lifts each of the 35,000-pound towers 3/8 of an inch off of the ground on a bed of air, allowing them to be moved by a three-person team.

"Nothing is more thrilling to theater-makers than flexibility," noted Artistic Director Barbara Gaines. "The adaptable platform of The Yard gives artists a theatrical 'blank slate' in which to shape their work without the physical constraints of a fixed footprint-and gives audiences an exciting, new perspective from their seats for each production."

The Yard's towers have been pioneered especially for this design under the direction of Chicago Shakespeare's Criss Henderson and Charcoalblue's Andy Hayles, and fabricated by Montreal-based ShowCanada (best known for its work with Cirque du Soleil and on large-scale theatrical events like the Olympic Opening Ceremonies). These complex structures (each measuring 12' deep x 18' wide x 37' tall) house extensive theatrical technology, and connect into a network of HVAC components and sprinkler systems to provide maximum audience comfort and safety. Additional modular main-floor seating risers and custom-built stage decking complete each configuration.

This dynamic design makes The Yard one of the most flexible theaters in the world.

"This theater is going to be unique in the world," said Andy Hayles, Managing Partner of Charcoalblue. "You can't really appreciate it unless you come again and again to experience how different this room can feel for each production. It's not just going to be what is on the stage, but where is the stage."

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel stated, "The Yard, an innovative, immersive theater, will create electrifying performances and inspire all who walk through its doors," said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. "I am thrilled that Chicago Shakespeare now houses three world-renowned venues that will attract audiences from our city and cities around the world."

Photo credit: James Steinkamp Photography.

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