Shining the spotlight on the Proscenium Theater

The Proscenium Theater offers not just world-class performances, but also the ease of being steps away from curated retail and dining experiences. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Imagine watching a live performance where you can see the performers’ facial expressions with striking clarity, that even the flicker of an eyebrow won’t be missed, and where each sound that reaches your ears is crisp and clear, that even the breath is audible–a performance so moving that you, the spectator, can immerse in the spectrum of emotions completely and intimately.

Starting this September, you can be drawn into this one-of-a-kind sensory journey as the Proscenium Theater, located in Rockwell Center Makati, will finally open its doors.

This performing arts theater is a state-of-the-art venue for enthusiasts–a first in the country, authentically world-class, and proudly Philippine-made.

The debut

The Proscenium Theater is set to make a dazzling debut with the premiere of The Bodyguard: The Musical, originally played in London’s West End in 2012.

Produced by Rockwell Land with 9 Works Theatrical as line producer, this thrilling stage adaptation of the 1992 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner showcases a lineup of the singer’s greatest hits. It’s an exhibition of vocal prowess and bold choreography, brought to life by a cast of esteemed Filipino and international talents.

But how exactly will this theater, with its thoughtful design and cutting-edge technology, put the spotlight on the performers and their craft?

With 780 seats, every show feels intimate.

The sweet spot

With 780 seats, the Proscenium Theater is mid-sized compared to the other performance halls in the country.

Being mid-sized has the advantage of an intimate experience, where you can distinguish the performers’ faces. It guarantees clear sightlines from any seat, a top priority for theater patrons.

This is further augmented by the staggered arrangement of the seats that allow you to see the 16m x 16m stage from any angle comfortably. Thus, every facial expression or bodily gesture on stage is visible to the audience, enhancing emotional connection.

World-class performances

The Proscenium Theater can host various types of live performances, including plays or theatrical dramas, dance, concerts, musicals, and even opera. Its state-of-the-art technology is at par with theaters across the globe.

In fact, it is the only theater in the country that has fully automated fly lines, which can take the audience to visually stunning scenes that transition seamlessly. It has an orchestra pit for synchronized live music performance, filling the theater space with dramatic soundscape.

The stage lighting system’s multi-vantage positions will hit the right spot or paint the stage in hues that match the moment’s mood.

Contemporary finishes and thoughtful details.

Acoustical treat, a technical feat

The theater features an orchestra shell that enhances sound projection and clarity, optimizing acoustics for both performers and the audience.

However, its standout innovation lies in its natural acoustics, where sound is reflected and diffused organically through surfaces without the need for electronic amplification. This allows artists to perform without microphones, with sound reaching the last row clearly.

Acoustic banners further enhance this effect. Adjusting them can transform the hall’s sound environment from dry to wet acoustics, and vice versa. Dry acoustics, with its short reverberation time and echo, create crisp and controlled sound that is ideal for plays. Wet acoustics, on the other hand, feature longer reverberation and lingering echoes, making it ideal for orchestras and concerts.

In other words, the Proscenium Theater has the flexibility to accommodate either dry acoustics or wet acoustics. Currently, no other theater in the country can match this flexibility. The Proscenium Theater is the only theater in the country that has natural acoustics.

Hence, it can accommodate a variety of live performances and the sound quality will be remarkably superb, leaving a lasting impression to the audience and an exceptionally satisfying experience for the artists.

Surfaces for substance

The shape and materials used inside the hall have been meticulously selected based on their impact to the acoustical environment.

The walls and acoustic ceiling are clad in wood finishes, as are the seats with their wood-and-fabric finish. Instead of carpets, the flooring is finished in wood. Even the airconditioning system is designed to run at a speed that does not impede the hall’s acoustics, while still providing comfortable cooling for spectators and performers.

With all these features–elegant finishes, natural acoustics with adjustable banners, advanced stage system, and efficient engineering systems–the Proscenium Theater is fully equipped to host world-class productions with precision and excellence.

Wide, open spaces designed to flow with ease.

Above and beyond

Apart from the Main Hall, the Proscenium Theater also features a Black Box on its top level, a flexible performance space for innovative productions.

The Proscenium Theater is indeed a cultural gem not only for the Rockwell community but for the country as well. It’s time we shine the spotlight on the Proscenium Theater and begin a new chapter in history.

Behind the curtains

The Proscenium Theater is designed by experts in the field: world-renowned architect Carlos Ott in collaboration with international specialty consultants Joerg Kummel (acoustics) and Horst Kunkel (stage technology).

Local consultants include Pimentel Rodriguez Simbulan & Partners (architect of record); Sy^2 Inc + Associates (structural engineer); MEP Philippines Building Services (MEPF), Butch Valdez/Alice Erfe & Associates (interior design); Christine Sicangco Lighting and Design (specialty lighting); and 9 Works Theatrical (theater company).