Starlight Theatre

At a glance

Project by: Studio Gang Architects
Location: Rockford, IL, United States

Preview image

Starlight Theatre (Studio Gang Architects)

© Greg Murphey

Project images

	Perforated concrete donor wall encloses ticket booth and concessions beneath fixed and kinetic timber roof. © Greg Murphey View project image
	Starlight Theatre © Greg Murphey View project image
	An evening performance © Greg Murphey View project image
	Starlight Theatre © Greg Murphey View project image
	People gather outside the theatre before an evening performance © Greg Murphey View project image
	Starlight Theatre © Greg Murphey View project image
	The project includes 93,000 SF of landscaped lawn seating © Studio Gang Architects View project image
	Section © Studio Gang Architects View project image
	The starlight structure © Studio Gang Architects View project image

Architect's statement

The design of Starlight Theatre maintains the tradition of open–air performances at Rock Valley College but offers new flexibility by allowing the theatre company to extend its season and guarantee shows even when it rains. A kinetic roof that opens like the petals of a flower in fair weather provides both shelter and drama that the former stage lacked. Under the roof, the central theatre space forms an unexpected vertical axis to the sky enhancing the audience’s experience of being outdoors. Technologies typically employed to move roofs over massive stadiums were adapted to fit the scale and budget of the roof’s sculptural form.

Encompassing over 135,000 sf, the new theatre and lawn seating maintain strong visual connections to the surrounding landscape. Differentiated seating areas in the lawn allow groups to reserve space for private parties before and after the show. The stage itself is designed to accommodate galas and events in the winter off-season.

To meet the theatre’s desire to remain open every summer season, the design divided the construction work into three discernible stages. Each stage allowed the theatre to operate with full functionality. First the seating bowl was built, then the stage house and finally the roof. With the new building and expanded programming possibilities, Starlight has transformed itself into a popular regional destination and favourite summer venue for the community.