Climate Conditions

Are the stage and house enclosed?

Is the performance dependent on natural environment?

Do the climate conditions change during the performance?

Does the engineering product function to gain audience comfort?

Do the Climate Conditions Change During the Performance?

In an enclosed theatre, sometimes climate conditions change during the performance which pose yet more challenges to the theatre artist/engineer. In the early theatres, candles then oil were used for illumination. Both gave off smoke which eventually changed the climate in the space. Gas was cleaner, but electricity solved the problem of smoke. In a small performance and house space, however, the heat generated by the electric lights will raise the temperature if the theatre is not adequately ventilated. If it rains onstage, sometimes the humidity will change in the house. Sometimes, also, a performance will require the use of a fog machine. The older style fog machines with oil all too often will irritate the patron's respiratory system. The new type of fog machines use water vapor and while the water vapor does not irritate, it could change the humidity or temperature. Even a character smoking a cigar could change the climate conditions. The key is to be aware of such changes and, if possible, take steps to return the climate to a comfortable state. Otherwise, the patron will have problems focusing on the performance, its story and characters.