Alexander Building

TS1 and TS2 are the flagship spaces of the Alexander Building. Situated at the north end of the building on the ground floor, the studios offer a large flexible rehearsal or performance space. The key feature is a full height window overlooking the Hoopern Valley, and a semi-sprung maple wood dance floor. The spaces are adjacent to each other with excellent soundproofing and are overlooked by a discreet control room at high level. The two studios are identical in size.

TS1 is named The Phillip Zarrilli Studio in memory of our former Professor, who used the studio for psychophysical training.

For performance conditions (or on the rare occasions the weather is not so good outside) a double black curtain can shut out the daylight and transform the space into a black-box performance studio, or sometimes, the curtains can be left open to reveal the outside world to the audience.

Dimensions / Plans

• 9.8m/10.8m long, 9.4m wide, 5m from floor to lighting rig. 
• Maximum room capacity: 50
• TS1 Layout Sketch Plan
• TS2 Layout Sketch Plan
• TS1 Plan With Measurements
• TS2 Plan With Measurements
• T‌S1/2 Photo Gallery

Lighting

A state-of-the-art Strand Lighting EC21 dimmer rack serves both studios, each of which contains 48 hard-wired lighting sockets. A Zero 88 FLX or ETC Nomad controls the lighting from either the control room or anywhere in the space. The system is setup so that the rigs in both studios can be in use simultaneously.

See also the Technical Resources page for more lighting paperwork.

Projection

The studios are equipped with high resolution 5000 lumen data projectors, which are hung from the center of the lighting rigs and focused onto the outer walls. They are each connected to a HD video switcher, which can change inputs between PC/Mac, Bluray, DVD, VGA or the attached AirServers. The AirServers each allows wireless video/audio streaming from up to 8 simultaneously connected mobile devices / laptops. Wireless protocols include Airplay, Chromecast and Miracast.

By default, the projection systems are connected to Windows 10 laptops on equipment racks, which can be moved into any corner of the rooms, anyone can log into using their University credentials.

The laptops are equipped with Microsoft Office, VLC player etc for multimedia playback, and are connected to the University wi-fi system for registered users. Conference or workshop guests can log in to the Guest wifi system. The systems can also connect to one of the control room Macs for use during performances, seminars, workshops etc.

Sound

An audio-visual equipment rack is permanently in the space, containing Blu-Ray, DVD, CD, MP3 USB playback, along with a microphone connection and the possibility to connect an MP3 player / laptop and external mixing desk for more complex setups. For performances, sound is played back from either a Mac laptop in the space, or from an iMac in the adjacent control room. Both TS1 and TS2 have separate systems meaning both spaces can be running performances simultaneously.

Situated on the first floor of the Alexander Building, TS3 functions as a media studio, filming location and intermedia lab. 

A full blackout is possible and there are black curtains which surround the space, making it easy to transform into a performance space or shooting location. 

Dimensions

• 12.5m long, 7m wide (see plan below for additional dimensions)
• Facilities - TS3 Plan with Dimensions
• Maximum room capacity: 60

Lighting

We use the ETC EOS system for lighting control, and have 36 dimmers in the studio, and a growing number of LED moving lights for effects, and softlights for film/photography use.
In addition TS3 contains a dimmable worklight system, separate from the stage lighting system which allows all users to have more controllable light during normal rehearsal sessions.

• Lighting rig plan TS3 (blank)
• Lighting - TS3 Standard Rig Plan
• See also the Technical Resources page for more lighting paperwork

Sound

We use Qlab for sound playback on Mac laptops and can add speakers to the room as required.

Projection

The studio is equipped with a high resolution 3500 lumen data projector, which is hung from the center of the lighting rig and focused onto the projection wall at one end of the studio. It is connected to a HD video switcher, which can change inputs between PC/Mac, Bluray, DVD, VGA or the attached AirServer. The AirServer allows wireless video/audio streaming from up to 8 simultaneously connected mobile devices / laptops. Wireless protocols include Airplay, Chromecast and Miracast.

By default, the projection system is connected to Windows 10 laptop on an equipment rack, which can be moved to either end of the room; anyone can log into using their University credentials.

The laptop is equipped with Microsoft Office, VLC player etc for multimedia playback, and is connected to the University wi-fi system for registered users. Conference or workshop guests can log in to the Guest wifi system.

Located on the first floor, adjacent to a large circulation & social space, TS4 is a seminar room for up to 30 people.  
The cherry wood-coloured floor and natural light make this a pleasant space suitable for a range of uses, using the fixed table layout. 

While a full blackout isn't currently available as standard, there are blinds on the windows which can cut down outside light sufficiently for most purposes.

TS4 is equipped with a 75inch LED screen, connected to a dedicated Windows 10 PC (with a wireless keyboard and mouse). Sound system is an automatic-switching soundbar and subwoofer, which has Bluetooth audio capabilities. There is also an AirServer attached to the screen. The AirServer allows wireless video/audio streaming from up to 8 simultaneously connected mobile devices / laptops. Wireless protocols include Airplay, Chromecast and Miracast.

Dimensions

TS4: 9.1m long, 6.7m wide

TS5 has been transformed over Summer 2024 into a 50 seat screening room with excellent projection and Dolby Atmos sound. The room is used as a lecture room, screening room and event space, and we anticipate it will be used for performances as well. On entering the room you pass through a small lobby decorated with cinema posters, some of which are from the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum on campus. 

This space in the Alexander Building is suitable for up to 40 people (theatre layout) or 25 people (boardroom layout).

Dimensions: 7.5m x 7.2m (approx) (55.5sqm total)
Maximum occupancy: 40

SR1 is equipped with a 75inch LED screen on a movable trolley. There is a dedicated Windows 10 PC located on the trolley with a wireless keyboard and mouse. An automatic switching soundbar and subwoofer is also located on the trolley, which also has Bluetooth audio capabilities. The AV system also has an AirServer attached to Screen. The AirServer allows wireless video/audio streaming from up to 8 simultaneously connected mobile devices / laptops. Wireless protocols include Airplay, Chromecast and Miracast.

On the first floor of the Alexander Building complex, Meeting Room 1 is used for read-throughs, planning meetings and teaching. 

Dimensions: 6.4m long, 4.8m wide 
Maximum occupancy: 16

MR1 is equipped with a 75inch LED screen on a movable trolley. There is a dedicated Windows 10 PC located on the trolley with a wireless keyboard and mouse. An automatic switching soundbar and subwoofer is also located on the trolley, which also has Bluetooth audio capabilities. The AV system also has an AirServer attached to the screen. The AirServer allows wireless video/audio streaming from up to 8 simultaneously connected mobile devices / laptops. Wireless protocols include Airplay, Chromecast and Miracast.

Opened in 2022, this new facility enables students to heat up food, make a hot drink and take a seat and a brief rest from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the building. 

A cluster of eight Windows PCs is available in the Alexander Building for Undergraduate students to use between classes or for writing and research.

There's a networked printer in the room which all of the computers can print to, and all students have Office365 accounts for email, online storage and a host of collaboration tools. 

The Postgraduate Computer Room in the Alexander Building is accessible 24 hours to postgraduate students of the Drama Department.

The Windows cluster PCs have Microsoft Office installed along with the usual internet applications. Documents and other work can be stored on the OneDrive which is part of the Office365 suite of services which all students have access to. 

The computers can print to one of the networked printers around the building.

In addition, there are three iMac computers for video and multimedia editing.

All teaching spaces have a PC on the same networked system, so students and staff can log in to their workspace and retrieve files easily.

The Drama buildings have excellent wifi coverage, and you can connect easily using a laptop or mobile device.

Drama-specific computing facilities include two Sound Studios and a Multimedia Studio equipped with iMac computers with custom-written guide notes.

The Drama technical team provide support for all of the practical facilities and IT systems.