Theater a/d Parade, Netherlands

INTRODUCTION
The Theater aan de Parade, located in the heart of ‘s-Hertogenbosch, underwent a comprehensive renovation between 2019 and 2023, culminating in its official reopening by King Willem-Alexander in January 2024. SIAP Acoustics has been part of the theater’s evolution since 1988, when it became the first theater to install a SIAP system. The theater now features state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced acoustics optimized for various performances. The venue’s basic reverberation time (RT) is 0.9 seconds, which increases to 1.2 seconds when the orchestra shell is installed, enhancing acoustics for symphonic concerts. Additionally, the system includes surround capabilities, further enriching the immersive experience for all types of performances.

OUR WORK
The primary challenge was to enhance the theater’s acoustics to meet the diverse needs of various performances, including theater productions, concerts, and events. In addition to ensuring optimal sound quality for both amplified and unamplified performances, it was essential to create specific presets for two distinct acoustic situations: one for theater use and one for concerts with the orchestra shell. These presets needed to accommodate the vastly different acoustic requirements of each performance type while ensuring a seamless transition between them.

THE RESULT
The integration of SIAP Acoustics’ system has significantly improved the theater’s sound quality, leading to outstanding acoustics that sound and feel very natural. The use of 128 wide dispersion loudspeakers creates a beautifully dense yet spacious and open feel, delivering an extraordinary auditory experience that immerses the audience while maintaining clarity. The system’s ability to tailor acoustics through presets for both theater and symphonic concert settings, along with its surround capabilities, has made the Theater aan de Parade a renowned venue for various events. The successful implementation of this system has solidified the theater’s reputation as a premier location for cultural events in the region.