Moscow Theater Pimps Acoustics

The recently opened 400-capacity The Stage at Sukharevskaya upped its speaker game with 44 new loudspeakers to also accommodate live music. 

– The Stage at Sukharevskaya

The setup consists of 16 5XT, 12 8XT and 16 12XT speakers from L-Acoustics placed around the perimeter of the auditorium.

“This combination delivers almost limitless possibilities, especially when combined with the outstanding natural acoustics of the venue,” head of sound Alexander Zaitsev said.

The fact that the speakers were custom painted means they’re pretty unobtrusive. According to Zaitsev, visitors can now enjoy “breathtakingly realistic effects” at what is usually considered conservative drama theatre.

“Everything from the ambience of a small room to the huge sound of a cathedral organ or an echo in the mountains, as well as moving sound sources or extended panning,” will provide for an immersive experience.

Most importantly, Zaitsev says, “it also means that, while the venue is intended principally for theatre plays, it can be also used for live concerts.”

The Stage at Sukharevskaya is run in parallel with the 30-year-old Stage at Chistye Prudy, which was established by theatre director and designer Oleg Tabakov and set designer David Borovsky, and was originally dubbed the Tabakerka.