In 1988, Normal Hall’s modest 100-seat theater became the site of the professional theater performance and conservatory training program. This wood frame landmark building, the oldest on campus, is located in a landmark district, close to the Chautauqua village center and adjacent to the opera house and a residential area. Renamed the Bratton Theater in 2000, a new stage house was added, doubling the size of the existing building. New audience seating was built for 270 people. New rigging, stage lighting and theater sound systems were added. New facilities and features include dressing rooms, accessibility to backstage and front-of-house areas, and handsome architectural detailing sympathetic to the simplicity and style of the original building. *Designed by Mitchell Kurtz as Principal at MKAPC
Preserving the identity of the old Normal Hall while vastly expanding the size of the building was a primary design goal. Site conditions, noise considerations and concern for preserving the finely textured wood interior required special attention to placing mechanical equipment. Site improvements included expanding the walkways and stairs to accommodate the larger audiences attending performances.