Shell (theater)

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An image of the Lake Braddock Symphony Orchestra performing at District IX Festival, on March 18, 2006 at Centreville High School. Behind the orchestra is a simple shell.
An image of the Lake Braddock Symphony Orchestra performing at District IX Festival, on March 18, 2006 at Centreville High School. Behind the orchestra is a simple shell.

In theater, a shell is a surface designed to reflect sound. Often it is removable, rolling away on wheels or flying into a flyspace. Shells are commonly used for orchestras, bands, and choirs. They are usually decorative in nature as the audience must see them.

[edit] Construction

Shells are generally made of hard materials, unlike other acoustic treatments because they are designed to absorb as little sound as possible. Common materials are plastic or fiber board. Usually a metal frame is used to hold the reflective surfaces in place.