Setting the Scene: An Exploration of Merging Dining and Performing Arts Spaces to Create a Sustainable Business Practice, Enhance User Experience and Provide Opportunities for The Local Community

This study investigates the need for spaces that merge dining with live performance in the city of Toronto. The aim was to design a venue that created a sustainable business model between hospitality and performing arts sectors, supported the cultural opportunities for the local community, and enhanced user experience and well-being. Literature reviews pertaining to the history and design guidelines of hospitality and performing arts were examined, along with the concept of dinner theatre or “dinner and a show”, the Experience Realm framework that gave insight into the importance of providing memorable experiences for users, the effects of COVID19 on both sectors and their design industries, and the importance of inclusive design in the built-environment. Two open-ended qualitative interviews were conducted with eight participants via email, phone and zoom calls, and in person meetings. The results provided support for a venue that merges dining with live performances in a way that reinvents and reimagines the original concept through flexibility, and the support of the user experience. Each participant in the interview process gave perspectives on design guidelines and considerations for either hospitality or performing arts spaces, and for a venue that merges both. Overall, the results and participants provided support for a unique venue that offers a multitude of experiences and support for well-being, in combination with a sustainable business model between sectors and plenty of opportunities for multiple types of live performances in the local community. Key words: Hospitality design, theatre design, dinner theatre, “dinner and a show”, performing arts, user experience, well-being, inclusivity, culture, COVID-19