De Schalm is getting new seats: you had a say in the choice
De Schalm is getting new seats: you helped choose them
How do you choose 470 new theater seats? Not from behind a desk, and not on your own. We started testing different seats back in the spring, and our audience played an important role in the process. After all, who knows better what’s comfortable than the people who regularly take their seats in our auditorium?
Starting in May, visitors were able to thoroughly test various chairs. More than 200 people participated and shared their experiences. They evaluated the chairs based on factors such as seating comfort, seat height, seating posture, armrests, and seat depth. Step by step, it became clear which chair would eventually be placed in the Main Hall.
En de winnaar is…
One clear favorite emerged from the test. This seat received an average score of 7.7, nearly a point higher than the runner-up. The current theater seat was also included in the test, but it had been reupholstered and refilled. This allowed us to determine whether the existing seats could last another term. The refurbished version received a barely passing grade.
The choice was therefore clear: the audience favorite will be the new seat for the Main Hall.
Your feedback made the chair even better
Selecting the winner wasn’t the end of the process. Based on feedback from visitors, the design was further refined. This involved a critical review of the balance between seat height and sightlines, ergonomics, the width and depth of the seat, and preventing leg pinching. Attention was also given to the armrests, and a more wear-resistant upholstery was chosen. The backrest was made slightly shallower, without compromising seating comfort. That allowed us to create extra legroom.
Meer comfort en meer beenruimte
Starting in late October, all 470 seats in the Main Hall will be replaced. The hall’s capacity will remain the same, but the new layout will offer more legroom—an average increase of about 9 percent. For wheelchair users, this also means more manoeuvring space.
The replacement will take place in stages. Starting October 26, the first seats will be replaced, and over the coming period, the Main Hall will be transformed row by row. Thus, after more than 20 years, the familiar seats will make way for a new generation.
Want to take an old chair home?
Now that the Main Hall is getting new seats, the old ones deserve a good new home. That’s why we’re selling the old theater seats on a “pay what you want” basis. We’ll use the proceeds to further develop our theater, in conjunction with the future redevelopment of the Citycentrum.
Reserve your theater seat now
Starting October 26, the first seats in the Main Hall will be replaced. Would you like one for your home? Then reserve your seat(s) by October 22 at the latest!