Fisher Theatre Self-Guided Backstage Tour Stop 6
Tour Stop #6: The Sub-Basement
The sub-basement is not a part of our tour.
Most importantly, for liability reasons…but frankly, it’s a little spooky down there. However, we thought it would be interesting to point out what happens in the deepest part of the theatre.
This huge machine is a steam and chilled water distributor. This is how the temperature in the theatre is controlled. This massive machine requires a full-time engineer to monitor, and it is an art form to maintain an appropriate temperature factoring in the size of the audience as well as the changing weather outside. Many of our shows have in their contract specific temperature requirements that must be maintained (typically around 70 degrees). So next time you see a show, and it is a comfortable temperature in the theatre, thank our hard-working engineers!