Audium

Audium was founded in the late 1950s by composer Stan Shaff and electronics expert Doug McEachern, beginning with experimental electronic music performances that evolved into the world's only theater constructed specifically for sound movement. Located in San Francisco since 1972, Audium presents weekly sound art events in complete darkness using a sophisticated system that has grown from 8 speakers in 1960 to the current 176 speakers. The company received an NEA grant in 1972 to convert a former bakery into their unique theater, opening to the public on October 31, 1975. After over 50 years of experimentation in spatial sound art, Audium is recognized worldwide as a pioneer in sonic immersion experiences. The venue continues operations with Stan Shaff and his son David Shaff presenting performances every weekend, and since 2021 has provided yearly residency programs primarily focusing on minority artists.