The seed was planted here. Marvelously. ~ But then it sequestered itself in its planning from
even the most basic of contact to the Arts organizations in this community, of which First Music
is one (for instance) but wouldn’t necessarily have “use” for even a 700-seat venue, and relying
ona natural (not sound enhanced} acoustic. As far as | could tell, public comment periods were
not announced well at any point, and only recently has there been a deluge of opportunity for
public comment, but unfortunately (for me personally), always in a rehearsal period here or
time away abroad conducting.
| have had the fortune to work in, and also open- four to five newly-built and repurposed arts
venue properties in Germany, from a range of 600-1800 seats. One even having a significant
hotel and mail attached. - | have seen the process of a new design and worked first-hand on the
load-ins of several original companies of Broadway shows in Germany, including a complete
new-build of a theatre on Potsdamer Platz tn Berlin by architect Renzo Piano. Watching the
Nashua design and planning process proceed from a distance, | was greatly supportive, UNTIL
the Alec’s property location became the only option and started morphing the project into
something that fs far from a true Perorming Arts Center.
If the intention of the new build is to ONLY accommodate modern genres of performer: rock,
pop, some jazz, comedians, other small acts: by all means! But please don’t call this a PAC. In
only seeing the limited ground plans available to the public online, it is clear the lack of:
e Anorchestra pit
e Wing space in any direction (usually two areas to accommodate full sets moving on or offstage)
e Proper “tly” space to make complete curtains, drops and sets disappear into the air
e Dressing room space for chorus, ballet, or other larger ensembles
e A planned natural acoustic without sound enhancement (or flex planning if both are wished)
e Stage space to accommodate either existing organizations in their usual stage capacity
will NOT serve the community and professional organizations well in the long term! One is
beginning to reach the finish line towards the Marathon of building Court Street: the sequel. A
known space limited in its use, and completely unacceptable currently in its poor upkeep. (Bless
all the organizations that use it successfully! We need them and they need a home!)
In limited speaking with either Arts Commission or PAC Steering members, criticism is clearly
not wished and everyone simply quotes the “studies” — Well, if that is the “vision” — God help
the taxpayer and the residents of this city who have looming fiscal issues coming up in the next
years, without a current design that is NOT fully useful in its marketed intention, and seemingly
being pushed through just for the sake of saving face.
When ail this planning started, Elm St. Middle School was not yet to be closed. Placing the PAC
at Keefe Auditorium was not an option, but it really is possible now. If one does not consider
this: where do organizations like ActorSingers or Symphony NH have their future home base in
Nashua? They can’t, if Keefe disappears. And although the purpose of the PAC is to expand
