Dolbeau-Mistassini Theatre

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Dolbeau-Mistassini Theatre

Firm

ATELIER PAUL LAURENDEAU

Type

Cultural › Hall/Theater

YEAR

2008

In 2006, Paul Laurendeau Architect won the national architecture competition to design the 491-seat Dolbeau-Mistassini Theatre, in joint venture with Jodoin Lamarre Pratte & Ass. Architectes.The building is strategically located in the centre of the city of Dolbeau-Mistassini. It represents a new major cultural institution. Its main street facade uses elements found in theatre language: the marquee, a grid of exposed white lights, black paint, poster display cases and signage. The building is organized along a central axis that establishes symmetry and the major circulation path for the public, from the main entrance to the doors leading to the auditorium across the foyer. The foyer is dimensioned to host a variety of uses, from exhibition, conferences, banquets to parties and special events. Soundproof vestibules isolate the auditorium form adjoining spaces. It is based on a cylindrical form, with a gentle sloping orchestra of 11 rows and 293 seats and flat acoustic ceiling with a huge central chandelier. Two semi-circular balconies of 2 rows and 99 seats each increase the height effect and give drama when spectators arrive. Red, black and gold colors are used to sustain the image of a performance space.The building opened in 2008. The population, artists and the press greeted it with great enthusiasm. Season tickets were sold in 15 minutes.“I sang at its opening, and you have no idea how this space is magnificient! Because Dolbeau-Mistassini is a small town, its population is not very important. It is one of the most beautiful, is not the most beautiful auditorium I have seen in Quebec, and god knows how many auditoriums I have seen!”Nancy Dumais, artist composer