Shell (theater)

The Gene Harris bandshell at Julia Davis Park in Boise, Idaho, a municipal example.

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 (also known as an acoustical shell or bandshell) is a curved, hard surface designed to reflect sound towards an audience.

Often shells are designed to be removable, either rolling away on wheels or flying into a flyspace. Shells are most commonly used for orchestras, bands and choirs, although they can also be used in any application that requires passive sound amplification. Shells are generally made of hard materials because they are designed to absorb as little sound as possible.

See also

• Amphitheatre
• Bandstand
• Hollywood Bowl