ASTC Seeks Additional Participants for Performing Arts Restroom Study Survey

The American Society of Theatre Consultants (ASTC) announces the relaunch of an in-depth study focused on fixture counts, capacity, and adequacy of public restrooms in performing arts facilities of all types and sizes. The relaunch makes it easier to participate with clear instructions and a list of information that participants need to gather, which will increase traction and participation.  

ASTC President, Paul Sanow, shares, “The ASTC Restroom Survey is important because even brand-new performing arts venues that meet building codes can still leave patrons waiting in long lines during intermission. Codes establish minimums, not operational reality. Because of the importance of gathering existing building data, we are redoubling our efforts to make sure we have a representative sample of existing buildings.” Summarized data trends will be compiled and made available on the ASTC website by end of 2027 for the benefit of designers and performing arts professionals.

ASTC invites venue owners, operators, consultants, designers, and others involved in performing arts facilities to participate in this important study by completing an online survey. The survey takes about 15-20 minutes to complete per facility. It might be helpful to download and print the instruction sheet first to help you count the restrooms and fixtures and then complete the online survey. The instruction sheet as well as the link to the survey can be found on the ASTC website: https://theatreconsultants.org/restroomsurvey/

Performance venues experience unique usage patterns, particularly during intermissions when large numbers of patrons attempt to use restrooms simultaneously—conditions not directly addressed by current codes, which establish minimum requirements rather than operational best practices. As a result, even newly built or renovated facilities can experience long restroom queues and reduced patron satisfaction.

Restroom fixture counts in performance venues are typically established during venue design, with theatre consultants often advising architects, engineers, and owners on the number, size, and location of fixtures based on venue capacity, seating, and operational considerations. These recommendations are also influenced by factors such as available space, project budgets, and user convenience. However, despite their importance, many of these decisions are made with limited recent research or comprehensive data to support best practices.

To address this gap, ASTC formed a committee to study the adequacy of fixture counts in performing arts venues. Over the past year, the committee reviewed relevant codes, publications, historical data, and the experience of ASTC membership. This effort made clear that a broader data set—across a wide range of facility types, sizes, and markets—was needed to better understand real-world performance and inform future recommendations. The survey was developed to collect that critical information.

The American Society of Theatre Consultants is a professional organization whose members have expertise in planning, designing, and equipping performance and assembly facilities for owners, architects, and engineers. ASTC members provide unbiased, practical guidance on everything from sightlines and rigging to technical systems and code compliance, helping ensure theatres, concert halls, auditoria, and similar spaces are functional, safe, and fit for purpose.

Questions regarding the survey may be directed to survey@theatreconsultants.org.

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