Shriver Hall Auditorium opened in 1954 and has hosted performances by prodigies, lectures by Nobel laureates, and appearances by a president and presidential hopefuls. An iconic building on the JHU Homewood campus, it is the largest venue for performances and lectures on campus, and one of the largest in Baltimore. The Visioning and Planning for the renovation of the lighting system came first, as this was the one technology in most need of an update. During design, however, it became clear that the stage rigging, audio system, and video system were also in need of replacement. Infrastructure to support these technologies and equipment pointed to shortcomings in the electrical system, sprinkler system, air handling, and seating. Soon the 4-month project became a 2-year project: Shriver Hall was to be completely renovated.
The technology design had to account for the aforementioned variety of groups and event types, and now features a full production-level sound system mixing desk, lighting control board, video production console, and associated intercom systems. In addition, the traditional front projection room was outfitted with an HDTV Digital Cinema projector and a complementing front projection screen. With the addition of a new Dolby Digital Sound System, the venue is now a fine space for film screenings. The lighting system includes movable instruments for maximum flexibility and has been transformed to a fully networked LED system with no need for a dimmer rack. Lastly, the rigging and proscenium curtain have been replaced and brought to modern code.
JHU President Ronald J. Daniels officially welcomed students to the new space and highlighted Shriver’s long and distinguished history. “Today, in 2019, this place is truly worthy of the vital role it has long played on Homewood campus as the lodestar of performing arts at Hopkins and one of our chief connections to the wider world.”
