Owners and architects use their expertise to programme, plan and help with the construction of these kinds of complicated buildings.
Their professional organization in North America is the American Society of Theatre Consultants.
To attain membership in the American Society of Theatre Consultants (ASTC), individuals must have derived their principal income from theatre consulting for a minimum period of five years prior to application and have completed at least five substantial projects as a theatre consultant, must demonstrate professional practice consistent with the ASTC's Code of Ethics, and are prohibited from working as an owner, employee or commission agent for any firm that manufactures, sells or installs equipment or that acts as a contractor for the construction of performance, assembly or studio facilities ("Prohibition against Commercial Affiliation.")
Consultants are generally expert in building codes and the requirements of the American with Disabilities Act as related to theatres, auditoria, and concert halls.
They typically provide detailed design for special theatre systems such as performance lighting systems, stage rigging, orchestra pit lifts, seating (fixed and movable), acoustical canopies and more.