Higher Education

Monroe Hall - Fortunoff Theater

Hofstra University

Project Details

Construction type:

Renovation

Area:

6,000 SF

Year:

2025

Team

Lizardos MEP Engineering

Sound Arts Acoustics

SBLD Lighting

FDA Theater Consult.

Constructed in 1968, Monroe Hall is home to Hofstra's largest capacity lecture hall space (360 seats), the Fortunoff Theater. The theater is a multifunctional space that hosts musical performances and other events. The theater's existing circulation did not allow for ADA accessibility at the front of the stepped seating area or onto the stage. Addressing these issues of accessibility and serving the multiple use-cases required of the room were at the forefront of the team's design process for the theater's renovation. A new ramp, ADA Lift, & accessible bathroom were provided in the theater's backstage area to allow full accessibility to the stage & seating areas.

Working in collaboration with theatrical consultant FDA, the team's aim was also to bring the theater into the 21st century with a more modern aesthetic by providing new seating, finishes, theatrical & house lighting, AV equipment, & acoustical materials to improve both the appearance and functionality of the space. Working with Sound Arts, a fixed acoustical fin installation at the theater walls was designed in tandem with a new motorized curtain system to provide a balance of acoustical absorption & reflection to serve all use-cases of the space. The reinvented Fortunoff Theater is now supporting a very busy class schedule during the day, with many events scheduled in the evenings!