Introducing
Studio B1
Some places shape how a profession evolves.
One of those places is a classroom in the basement of the University Theatre at the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale.
It was known simply as B1.
For decades, it served as a working laboratory for theater design. Students studied how performance spaces function, worked through drawings and technical problems, and learned from George Izenour, widely regarded as the father of modern theater consulting.
That lineage of thinking about performance spaces as integrated systems continues in Studio B1.
Founded by Todd Berling, Studio B1 brings together theater planning, acoustics, lighting, and AV design into a single coordinated discipline. The studio works closely with owners, architects, and design teams from programming through commissioning to ensure theaters function as intended in real use.
We don’t just design theaters, we craft experiences.
Studio B1 will make its public debut at USITT26.
Introducing
Studio B1
Some places shape how a profession evolves.
One of those places is a classroom in the basement of the University Theatre at the Yale School of Drama.
It was known simply as B1.
For decades, it served as a working laboratory for theater design. Students studied how performance spaces function, worked through drawings and technical problems, and learned from George Izenour, widely regarded as the father of modern theater consulting.
That lineage of thinking about performance spaces as integrated systems continues in Studio B1.
Founded by Todd Berling, Studio B1 brings together theater planning, acoustics, and AV design into a single coordinated discipline. The studio works closely with owners, architects, and design teams from early programming through commissioning to ensure theaters function as intended in real use.
Studio B1 will make its public debut at USITT26.
Our Services
01
THEATER DESIGN
Strategic planning and technical consulting for performing arts venues. Studio B1 collaborates with architects and owners to develop theater layouts, seating configurations, stage infrastructure, and performance systems that support both artistic vision and operational performance.
02
ACOUSTICS
Acoustic design that balances reverberation, clarity, and environmental control. Studio B1 develops performance-tuned acoustic environments that ensure intelligible speech, natural musical reproduction, and consistent listening conditions throughout the space.
03
AUDIOVISUAL
Integrated audiovisual system design for performance, presentation, and broadcast environments. From immersive media installations to large-scale venues, systems are engineered for clarity, control, and long-term reliability.
04
LIGHTING DESIGN
Architectural and theatrical lighting systems designed to enhance performance and atmosphere. Power distribution, control systems, and fixture strategy are carefully planned to align lighting performance with the architecture and intended use of the venue.
Performance Spaces Designed to Perform
Studio B1 partners with architects, owners, and cultural institutions to design high-performance environments for theater, music, and live performance.
Through disciplined planning and technical integration, the studio brings together acoustics, lighting, audio-visual systems, and infrastructure into a unified system. From concept through construction, every project is guided by decades of expertise in theater consulting, performance venue design, and technical systems integration.
Our Team
Todd Berling
Senior Principal, Managing Partner
Ray Kent
Senior Principal, Director of Technology & Innovation
Tyler Johnson
Senior Principal, Director of Design
Matthew Easlon
Consultant, Acoustics & AV Technologies
Ben Zumdick
Associate, Designer
Jenna Berling
Associate, Designer
Tricia Smith
Administrator
Where Projects Begin
Every performance environment begins with a conversation.
Let’s start shaping the system.