Smith Learning Theater

The Smith Learning Theater, located on the fourth floor of Russell Hall, provides an experimental environment that can be configured and curated to support innovative ideas.

Welcome

The Smith Learning Theater, located on the fourth floor of the Gottesman Libraries, provides an experimental environment that can be configured and curated to support ambitious learning, teaching, and research activities at Teachers College.

Past Events

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Games that helped us through the Pandemic (Sliding Doors Series)
The Role of games in the pandemic was explored in this event as part of the sliding doors series: A collaboration between the Gottesman Libraries and Digital Futures Institute.
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Black Student Network (Sliding Doors Series)
A workshop as part of our flash series on the new platform for Black students on campus to virtually collaborate and network with their peers.
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Student Orientation
New students got the opportunity to check out our experimental space and to learn more about available resources.
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STEAMnasium
With the Smith learning Theater space setup with several technology enhanced exhibits, students, faculty and staff had the opportunity to explore innovative ideas through enhanced technology.
Black Paint symposium
The Symposium was an interactive evening of curricular play and exploration about spatiality and sensemaking from the Curriculum Lab's yearlong Black Paint Fellowship Program.

The Space

The main Theater space is 6000 square feet with 8 columns and a theatrical pipe grid to carry elements of infrastructure (e.g., power, data, lighting control, etc.) and facilitate hanging elements (lights, projectors, screens, curtains, etc.).

Power, data, and AV systems are available at the ceiling and the floor level throughout the space permitting a virtually unlimited number of configurations.

The Smith Learning Theater now features two broadcast studios for faculty who are taking part in a virtual event or media interview.

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Furnishings

The Theater can be equipped with diverse sets of physical objects to support the learning goals of programs. Space dividers and definers set the stage for smaller scale elements and props that contribute to the build-out of the space. Both conventional stagecraft and showcase components are employed to achieve the desired effects.

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Hospitality

The Smith Learning Theater provides users with the ability to create an immersive environment using the technology and furnishings available. The lighting in the space and the shades provide for a warm reception for event participants and presenters. 

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Lighting

The Theater lighting system includes both a base lighting configuration ("House Lights") and theatrical lighting. Lighting can be designed for each program including specific lighting looks and choreographed light changes. Solar and blackout shades provide a range of natural-light options.

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Audio/Visual

Theater infrastructure supports video projections at varying scales as appropriate for content and event configurations. Video can be displayed on screens as well as on most surfaces throughout the space. Wired and wireless microphones also can be located throughout the space to permit audio amplification and capture. Speakers are located throughout the theater space to support background music, custom program configurations, and special audio effects.

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Data Capture & Data Visualization

Theater infrastructure supports a range of data-capture equipment and techniques as dictated by the needs of a particular learning, teaching, and/or research event. Real-time data can be accessed and displayed throughout the theater space. In addition to in-house capacities, the Theater supports the addition of more specialized Internet of Things (IoT) components unique to particular learning goals and events.

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Recording & Broadcasting

Theater activities can be captured on video for archiving and research purposes. Cameras can be mounted throughout the space on the ceiling grid and columns, as well as from placements anywhere on the floor. The Theater can be configured as a studio to support the production of programs for both live and delayed broadcast. Audio production and recording is enhanced by multiple audio channels, a concert-quiet HVAC system, and acoustical glass applied to the 120th Street-side windows to mitigate street noise.

Smith Learning Theater (SLT) Event Policy

Event Scheduling

  • Changes to the event date and time are not permitted within one week before the event date. (Example: If the event is scheduled for Monday, November 10, 2024, then you must notify the Smith Learning Theater one on Sunday November 2nd by 5 pm).
  • Each event booking must be for a minimum of two hours.

Submit a Request:

Visit the Digital Futures Institute website and select Ask DFI on the main screen to access the ServiceNow page. Complete a ticket, choosing the Smith Learning Theater as your event location.

Complete Required Forms:

After submitting a ticket, DFI will send an email with two links: (1) a Qualtrics form for event details and (2) a scheduling link to set up a meeting with the Smith Learning Theater (SLT) team. Both forms must be completed to confirm your reservation.

  • Event organizers must implement a registration process to maintain an accurate count of register attendees and actual attendance.
  • A list of registered attendees must be submitted to the SLT staff 3 days before the event.
  • You must also send a list of registered attendees to Public Safety Office 48 hours before the scheduled event publicsafety@tc.columbia.edu
  • The rental fee for events held on Saturdays and Sundays is $200 per hour.
  • Additional fees apply for Public Safety support for events on Friday Evenings and Saturdays and Sundays that are scheduled outside the normal operating hours of 4th Floor Russell Hall.

Cancellations made less than 24 hours from the start time of your event will incur a $200 fee. An index number will be requested at time of booking. Event organizers will receive an email reminder about their event one week before the scheduled event.

  • Events in the SLT must be organized by a Teachers College (TC) faculty or staff. If you are not affiliated with TC, please contact the Digital Futures Institute to discuss further.
  • The organizing staff member must be listed in the TC Staff Directory.

Sanctioned Student Organizations who are organizing events must seek permission through the Graduate Student Life & Development (GSLD) office, with Denise Boneta or Alana Crosby providing authorization. Students who are unaffiliated with a sanctioned student organization cannot book the Learning Theater.

The SLT operates optimally with a minimum of 15 attendees. For events with fewer than 15 attendees, reserving a TC classroom is recommended.

  • Event organizers are required to clean up after themselves. Please ensure that no materials or trash are left behind on the tables or in the event space.
  • The Smith Learning Theater team is not responsible for cleaning up after events. 

To request disability-related accommodations, contact the Office of Access and Services for Individuals with Disabilities (OASID) at oasid@tc.edu, (212) 678-3689, or (646) 755-3144 video phone, as early as possible.

  • Event organizers should submit all materials and files (IE - side decks, videos) to the SLT team at least 2 days prior to the event.
  • If additional setup time is needed, the SLT team will work with organizers to allocate time, possibly the day before the event, for setup in the space.

 

Policy for Smith Learning Theater Hours of Operation

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Hours of Operation

The Smith Learning Theater (SLT) will operate from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Monday through Thursday and Friday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

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After-Hours Usage

  • Events extending beyond 6:00 PM on Fridays will incur an additional charge of $200 per hour.
  • This fee is applicable for every hour or portion thereof that the theater remains in use beyond the standard hours.
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Weekend Usage

  • The SLT is available for booking on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at a rate of $200 per hour.
  • Organizers are responsible for any additional fees associated with Public Safety services required during the event.
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Booking Requirements

A minimum booking of two hours is required for all events held at the Smith Learning Theater.

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Public Safety

Organizers are responsible for coordinating and covering any necessary Public Safety services for events scheduled outside of regular operating hours or on weekends. Public Safety fees will be assessed separately and are in addition to the hourly usage fees.

Prices for Columbia University affiliates who request to book the Smith Learning Theater.

Full Price Rates

4 hours

8 hours

Evening (after 6:00 pm) and weekends

$7,500

$14,000

$1800/hour

All bookings include two planning meetings and a walkthrough. There is no charge for the first planning meeting. Maximum occupancy is 330 people. Columbia Catering is the preferred vendor for food and drink service. The Smith Learning Theater is wheelchair accessible. Configurations and a full technology list available at the first planning meeting.

Support for Learning Spaces

Smith Learning Theater events
Looking to hold an event in the Smith Learning Theater? DFI can help you plan and create your event.

Consultation on creative use of space for teaching and learning
Looking to turn your classroom into an experiential learning space? DFI can help you develop your strategy

On campus lighting, space management & production support
Need support with lighting, managing or producing an event? DFI can assist from initial planning through to lights down.

Please be advised that this is a request and our team will review and contact you to follow up.

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