Smith Learning Theater

The Smith Learning Theater, located on the fourth floor of Russell Hall, provides an experimental environment that can be configured and curated to support innovative ideas.

Welcome

The Smith Learning Theater, located on the fourth floor of the Gottesman Libraries, provides an experimental environment that can be configured and curated to support ambitious learning, teaching, and research activities at Teachers College.

Past Events

Games that helped us through the Pandemic (Sliding Doors Series)

The Role of games in the pandemic was explored in this event as part of the sliding doors series: A collaboration between the Gottesman Libraries and Digital Futures Institute.

Black Student Network (Sliding Doors Series)

A workshop as part of our flash series on the new platform for Black students on campus to virtually collaborate and network with their peers.

Student Orientation

New students got the opportunity to check out our experimental space and to learn more about available resources.

STEAMnasium

With the Smith learning Theater space setup with several technology enhanced exhibits, students, faculty and staff had the opportunity to explore innovative ideas through enhanced technology.

The Symposium was an interactive evening of curricular play and exploration about spatiality and sensemaking from the Curriculum Lab's yearlong Black Paint Fellowship Program.

The Space

The main Theater space is 6000 square feet with 8 columns and a theatrical pipe grid to carry elements of infrastructure (e.g., power, data, lighting control, etc.) and facilitate hanging elements (lights, projectors, screens, curtains, etc.).

Power, data, and AV systems are available at the ceiling and the floor level throughout the space permitting a virtually unlimited number of configurations.

The Smith Learning Theater now features two broadcast studios for faculty who are taking part in a virtual event or media interview.

Furnishings

The Theater can be equipped with diverse sets of physical objects to support the learning goals of programs. Space dividers and definers set the stage for smaller scale elements and props that contribute to the build-out of the space. Both conventional stagecraft and showcase components are employed to achieve the desired effects.

Hospitality

The Smith Learning Theater provides users with the ability to create an immersive environment using the technology and furnishings available. The lighting in the space and the shades provide for a warm reception for event participants and presenters.

Lighting

The Theater lighting system includes both a base lighting configuration ("House Lights") and theatrical lighting. Lighting can be designed for each program including specific lighting looks and choreographed light changes. Solar and blackout shades provide a range of natural-light options.

Audio/Visual

Theater infrastructure supports video projections at varying scales as appropriate for content and event configurations. Video can be displayed on screens as well as on most surfaces throughout the space. Wired and wireless microphones also can be located throughout the space to permit audio amplification and capture. Speakers are located throughout the theater space to support background music, custom program configurations, and special audio effects.

Data Capture & Data Visualization

Theater infrastructure supports a range of data-capture equipment and techniques as dictated by the needs of a particular learning, teaching, and/or research event. Real-time data can be accessed and displayed throughout the theater space. In addition to in-house capacities, the Theater supports the addition of more specialized Internet of Things (IoT) components unique to particular learning goals and events.

Recording & Broadcasting

Theater activities can be captured on video for archiving and research purposes. Cameras can be mounted throughout the space on the ceiling grid and columns, as well as from placements anywhere on the floor. The Theater can be configured as a studio to support the production of programs for both live and delayed broadcast. Audio production and recording is enhanced by multiple audio channels, a concert-quiet HVAC system, and acoustical glass applied to the 120th Street-side windows to mitigate street noise.

Example Configurations

This slideshow contains approved layouts to help meet the needs of your event.

Layout A - 11 Tables and Seating for 160

“Entry” is the reception area of the Learning Theater. Typically this area is used to display food and drinks during some events.

North side of the LT is showing break out groups that are partitioned by fabric and white work walls.
South side of the LT is showing rows of plenary seats facing a speaker or panel.

Layout B - 26 Tables and Seating for 136

Layout B illustrates our round table group plenary style. The wooden Taylor round tables fit up to eight people. There are several projection screens that can make slide decks and multimedia visible to participants in the plenary.

Layout C - 25 tables and seating for 40

For an exhibition or an event that requires tabling around the LT, this is an ideal setup. This setup enables you to strategically position artifacts or staff on each table to deliver a message during the event.

Layout D - 28 Tables and Seating for 110

A conference style set up that accommodates 100 participants. This is a special set up where speakers interact with participants constantly. The speaker is positioned in the center of the big conference circle. The strategic positioning of the speaker enables them to pivot from one position to the other. Each breakout group has a work wall for brainstorming ideas during the conference.

Layout E - Seating for 200

This is an ideal set up for a panel or a single focal point for the audience in the Smith Learning Theater. With AV equipment and the option for many projection surfaces around the LT this can be a great set up for up to 200 people.

Support for Learning Spaces

Smith Learning Theater events
Looking to hold an event in the Smith Learning Theater? DFI can help you plan and create your event.

Consultation on creative use of space for teaching and learning
Looking to turn your classroom into an experiential learning space? DFI can help you develop your strategy

On campus lighting, space management & production support
Need support with lighting, managing or producing an event? DFI can assist from initial planning through to lights down.

Submit request

Please be advised that this is a request and our team will review and contact you to follow up.