Watch: The Tobin Center transforms into theater that adheres to social distancing measures
A one-of-a-kind computer system is helping the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts create 6 feet of separation between its rows.
The performing arts center released a timelapse video showing how the advanced technology is able to rotate, lift and move entire rows of seats around, creating a completely different configuration that adheres to the COVID-19 social-distancing guidelines.
“We have used it to create flat flooring and such for galas or parties, but we never thought that we would have to use it for social distancing,” said Michael Fresher, the CEO and president of the Tobin Center.
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This is what the Tobin Center seating will now look like in order to adhere to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines thanks to one of a kind technology.
This is what the Tobin Center seating will now look like in order to adhere to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines thanks to one of a kind technology.
Photo: Courtesy
This is what the Tobin Center seating will now look like in order to adhere to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines thanks to one of a kind technology.
This is what the Tobin Center seating will now look like in order to adhere to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines thanks to one of a kind technology.
Photo: Courtesy
Fresher said this technology is what makes Tobin Center unlike any other performing arts theater — there are only three venues worldwide that use this technology. And he is hoping that the uniqueness will help give them the green light to open soon.
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“No one is really thinking about performing arts centers to open because there just aren’t enough of us in the state to really be on anyone’s radar,” Fresher said. “But no one can do this like us … I fear that people may be categorizing us with stadiums or things like that.”
Because places such as movie theaters, bars and churches have been allowed to reopen, Fresher hopes they will be allowed to as well and pointed out the the Tobin Center’s occupancy is smaller than many of the places that are now operating.
“We have a lot of the same elements of those places, and when you look at our practical operations it is not much different than say a church or a movie theater,” Fresher said.
Tobin Center officials have been working with Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff and San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg about what steps they can take to reopen, Fresher said.
“We go above and beyond to give world-class service and we want to be safe and smart,” he said. “We want to open with some free community events so people can come and check us out and feel safe about getting out of the car and coming into the building.”
Taylor Pettaway is a breaking news and general assignment reporter for MySA.com | [email protected] | @TaylorPettaway
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