About this Course

It goes without saying that the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020-2021 has been a paradigm-shifting event across many fields. The increased emphasis on improving indoor air quality and overall protection against pathogens in high traffic facilities is especially important to a hard-hit theatrical industry. Fortunately, science-based technologies provide invaluable tools to enhance the safe reopening of theaters. In this session, you will learn about various technologies that are being used to improve air quality, their safety and tradeoffs, and best practices for implementing in theaters. Of special note are ensuring these technologies do not (or minimally) impact performances via appearance or sound. The session is meant for professionals that manage theater facilities, architects and engineers, and those seeking solutions to pressing modern problems.

Prerequisite Knowledge:
No prerequisite knowledge is necessary – just curiosity and a desire to make a positive impact to avoid a similar future calamity.

Learning Objective 1:
To discover the importance of improving indoor air quality, including pathogen reduction, in high trafficked spaces such as theaters.

Learning Objective 2:
To learn about various technologies that are being used to improve air quality including their safety, tradeoffs, and regulatory standings.

Learning Objective 3:
To understand the unique demands and engineering challenges for providing adequate disinfection while keeping guests safe, not hindering performances, and keeping potentially expensive set-pieces undamaged.

Learning Objective 4:
To be able to conceptually design a basic germicidal system using safe, effective, and tested technological solutions including air purification, filtration, and germicidal lighting.