Theatre Style Meeting Room Setup Guide

A theatre style room layout is traditionally used to present to a large audience. Chairs are arranged in rows facing a staging area and the layout allows the room to be used to its maximum occupancy. Listed below are the advantages and disadvantages of a theatre style seating layout with suggested placement of any needed Portable PA System, Multimedia Lectern and PA speakers.

Advantages: Ideal for large groups. Good for presenting videos or films that do not require discussion. Straight lectures with little group participation also works well with this style.

Disadvantages: Does not allow for much group participation. Does not provide writing surface for taking notes. People in the back rows may feel removed from the lecture.

Action Zone: Front, center of the room.

Group Involvement: Little to none.

Seating: Facing the front of the room in rows.

Spacing: Chairs should be aligned 2 inches apart. The first row of seats should be located 6 feet away from the trainers table.

Accommodates AV: Yes. Will accommodate equipment well. If a group is larger than 40 participants, consider using projected images on a large screen so everyone can view the presentation.

Legend
Portable PA System
Multimedia Lectern
PA Speaker
Wireless Microphone

Variations of Theatre Style

Semicircular:
A slight bend is added to the rows to give a feeling of togetherness. Not recommended for large groups because much floor space is wasted.

Chevron or "V":
Seats are aligned in straight rows, angled at 30 degrees facing the instructor or visual presentation. Again, used to create more harmony in the group.

Room Size	Audience Size	Appropriate Sound System	Wireless Amp	Speakers
2,500 sq. ft.	Up to 500 people	SW720 iPad, iPhone, iPod Wireless PA System	SW720, built-in UHF 16	Built-in full range speaker
10,000 sq. ft.	Up to 1,000 people	SW222 Audio Portable Buddy	SW222, Amp with built-in wireless receiver	Built-in Jensen design
10,000 sq. ft.	Up to 2,500 people	SW800 Titan Portable PA	Built-in digital UHF 16-channel wireless receiver	Built-in full range speaker
25,000 sq. ft.	Up to 3,000 people	SW227 UHF 8-Channel Wireless Powered Speaker Voice Projector Kit	SW225 Voice Projector Amp with build in receiver	Built-in Jensen design
25,000 sq. ft.	Up to 7,500 people	SW915 Audio Travel Partner	SW915 Build in Digital UHF 16-channel wireless receiver	Two NEO Woofers and dynamic compression driver
30,000 sq. ft.	Up to 5,000 people	SW630 Half-mile Hailer Kits	SW610A Amp with built-in wireless receiver	Tapered, weather-resistant horn