Civic Opera House

Chicago, Illinois, USA

In 1995 the Lyric Opera of Chicago began a complex renovation of its home, the Civic Opera House. Working with McHugh Construction and architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Schuler Shook was responsible for the renovation of all backstage and support areas, including elaborate stage lighting and rigging systems for the 3,500-seat opera house. The auditorium and lobbies were also refurbished to their original visual splendor, with added modern comforts for patrons.
All renovation work was timed between performance seasons - spanning a period of four years.

The 1929-vintage dressing rooms were demolished to create modern rooms with adequate space, up-to-date lighting and storage. New rehearsal rooms allow for the complex needs of opera rehearsal. The chorus, ballet and supernumeraries all have new dedicated dressing rooms. The orchestra lounge is greatly improved, and the company has new lounges and a backstage canteen. The artists now have a backstage that matches the quality of their onstage work.

Architect:
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill