The fifth installment of the Symphony Park Lecture on March 9 was the series' most popular to date with more than 250 people packing the auditorium at the Fifth Street School for a backstage-style conversation with The Smith Center design team. Led by Smith Center President and CEO Myron Martin, the panel discussion included renowned architect David M. Schwarz, theater designer Joshua Dachs and acoustician Paul Scarbrough. 

According to Martin, this was the first time the trio has appeared together. "Collectively, this group is a powerhouse in the world of theater design," said Martin. "To bring them together in our city to talk about our project - The Smith Center for the Performing Arts - was both gratifying and thrilling for our community."

Schwarz, whose credits include other notable theaters across the country such as Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall in Forth Worth, TX, and Nashville's Schermerhorn Center, shared the story of his inspiration for The Smith Center - the art deco style of Hoover Dam - one of the most iconic and definitely one of the most organic of the region's architectural landmarks.

Dachs and Scarbrough talked openly of the push-pull working relationship they shared on the project. What might be ideal for theater design may not enhance the acoustics, according to Scarbrough, who cited creativity and compromise as the two factors that are converging to create not just a beautiful theater, but a top-notch performance space that will enhance both sight lines and sound. 

"It's all about making the experience ideal for both performers and the audience," said Martin, of the design team's work on The Smith Center. "These individuals are the very best in their respective fields. The end result will easily bear that out."

The Smith Center opens March 10, 2012.

Photo: Myron Martin, David M. Schwarz, Paul Scarbrough, and Joshua Dachs on stage at the Fifth Street School