New Orleans, LA — Originally built in 1918 and opening its doors to vaudeville performances in 1921, the 1,500-seat RKO Orpheum Theatre soon transitioned into a movie palace. Over the years, this historic venue—designed in the Beaux Arts architectural style—passed through several eras before being forced to close in 2005 due to flooding caused by Hurricane Katrina.
The historic building was purchased in February 2014 and underwent a comprehensive $13 million, 18-month renovation aimed at both restoring the theatre and transforming it into a multi-purpose venue. The theatre reopened in September 2015 with a performance of Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. The concert marked a meaningful return for the orchestra, which had operated from various venues across New Orleans for a decade following Katrina, having previously called the Orpheum home.
As part of the renovation, the venue was upgraded with an expanded marble-clad foyer, larger and more comfortable seating, eight new restrooms, six permanent bars, and a floor system capable of being raised to accommodate standing events when seating is removed. This transformation allowed the venue to host concerts, receptions, weddings, corporate events, and private functions with full flexibility. A modern lighting system, a large cinema screen, and a Martin Audio MLA loudspeaker system—designed to reinforce live sound without compromising the theatre’s celebrated natural acoustics—were also integrated.
Purpose of the Renovation
General Manager Kristin Shannon explains the core motivation behind the renovation:
“When the theatre was purchased, it had been vacant for a long time since Katrina. Our goal was to create a sustainable, multi-purpose facility that wouldn’t rely solely on concerts and could generate revenue in between events.”
To support this vision, a kitchen was added in the basement, enabling seated dining events for up to 275 guests on the main floor. Additional reception areas were created in the basement, along with a small dining room and skyboxes and suite areas above the gallery level for private groups.
Acoustic and Architectural Approach
The Orpheum’s architecture stands out for its ornate plasterwork, impressive foyer spaces, and mezzanine bar, making it important that every area be visually appealing on its own. The renovated floor can be raised or lowered in approximately 11 minutes, while removing the seating takes slightly longer. The existing shell was also redesigned to create a new acoustic enclosure. The result is a venue that is both visually striking and capable of delivering exceptional sound performance—one of the key reasons the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra chose to return to the Orpheum.
Sound System Selection
Renowned for its pure acoustics—often compared to New York’s Carnegie Hall—the Orpheum is a notable example of vertical theatre design, featuring a column-free balcony and gallery that preserve clear sightlines. The sound system selection was made in close collaboration with Don Drucker of Pyramid Audio Productions.
Drucker summarizes the process:
“We evaluated designs from multiple manufacturers. Martin Audio offered the solution that required the least revision and best complemented the venue’s acoustic character. The system needed to deliver high sound quality, controllability, aesthetic integration, and clarity at every seat. MLA met all of those criteria.”
Installed System
The audio system consists of:
- Twelve MLA Compact line array loudspeakers on each side of the stage
- Four DSX subwoofers deployed at the front of the stage for select rock concerts
- Thirty DD6 dual differential dispersion loudspeakers used for under-balcony coverage and front fills
- C6.8T and C8.1T ceiling loudspeakers providing consistent coverage in foyers and restrooms
- Martin Audio solutions for stage monitoring and amplification
Supporting equipment includes Midas Pro 6 and Pro 2 consoles, Shure wireless microphones, Telefunken, Shure, and Audio-Technica handheld microphones, Radial DI boxes, a Merlin processor, Lenntech remote power control, and a BSS Blu system providing mid-frequency control across various areas.
Result
Kristin Shannon reflects on the system’s performance:
“The Martin Audio system has delivered outstanding results across a wide range of scenarios—from the opening event and Allen Toussaint’s memorial service to concerts by Dwight Yoakam, Wilco, and Billy Gibbons. We believe we have one of the most prestigious venues in Louisiana, and a major part of that is how this building sounds.”
Don Drucker adds:
“The MLA system has met every technical requirement we were given. From philharmonic concerts to rock bands, dance performances, and special presentations, it has performed flawlessly. Guest FOH engineers love the system, and we haven’t had a single issue to date.”