Planning an Event: Theater Overview
The Bayou Theater is the principle performing arts facility for the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Indeed, it is the premiere performance space for the Clear Lake/Bay Area. As a proscenium stage, built in 1976, and renovated between 1987-1989, the theater seats 500 in a continental configuration offering an intimate environment with no seat farther than 60 feet from the stage.
Rooms
The theater complex includes
- A box office adjacent to the main theater entrance doors
- Backstage dressing rooms for both men and women with lighted mirrors, toilets, sinks and showers
- A "Green Room" where performers can wait before making entrances onto the stage
- The Scene Shop - a complete wood working shop with large power saws, hand tools, air compressor and paint area with sink
The Bayou Theater does not have Balcony Seating, a real Orchrestra Pit or Costume Shop with washers, irons, or dryers.
House Rules - No Exceptions
- No weapons are allowed. All “weapon” type props must be approved before being brought on campus.
- No tobacco products are allowed.
- No alcohol is allowed.
- No food or drinks allowed in the Bayou Theater seating area. This includes gum and candy.
- No climbing on or over the house seats.
Staff
The Bayou Theater is located on a university campus and is not a union house. The theater has one full-time staff member and three to four part-time student workers. The Bayou Theater also relies strongly on support services provided by the Student Life Office staff.
Sound System
The sound system is capable of recording and playing back recorded music or sound effects on one or more of two different cassette tape deck. Sound can be amplified and adjusted through any of eight different speakers in various locations in the theater.
Fly Lines and Drapery
The theater is equipped with 41 "fly lines." The lines are anywhere from 0'-6" to 2'-0" apart from one another. A complete set of flame retardant, black pleated velour "legs" and "borders" are pre-hung. The grand drape, cyclorama, and one full stage "blackout" curtain close in a guillotine style. Line hanging adjustments can be made at rehearsal and setup times. See Fly Rail Hanging Positions.
Audio Visual
- Several different types of projectors and special effects equipment including
- LCX-5 Digital movie projector
- One movie screen large enough for both regular and Cinemascope type images
- Two incandescent followspots
- Two hundred 2400-watt lighting dimmer per circuits controlled by the Express 72/144 control board enabling either computer control or manual two scene preset
- Over one hundred-fifty lighting instruments are hung in a house repertoire or can be adjusted at time of rehearsal or setup
- Some microphones and microphone cable
- Other audiovisual needs, such as overhead or slide projectors, can be arranged with the Office of Scheduling and Space Planning.
Pianos
Two pianos - a Steinway Studio Grand, size 7' -0" and a Cable Upright are available.
