Students from Berkley High School’s orchestra, band, choir and drama programs cut the ribbon on the school’s renovated Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, Oct. 14.
The ceremony and open house celebrated a major project funded by the $88 million bond voters approved in August 2023. Superintendent Scott Francis welcomed guests and thanked voters for supporting the bond, according to the district’s announcement.
Students guided visitors through the expanded and renovated lobby, upgraded theater and new teaching and rehearsal spaces. Theater improvements include new finishes, a digital screen and updated sound and lighting systems. The project also includes a Black Box Theatre, Instrument Commons, band and orchestra classrooms, and music practice rooms.
The Black Box Theatre serves as a choir classroom during the school day and a rehearsal and performance space afterward. The district’s August construction update said teachers had moved in and classes were taking place.
The Performing Arts Center is among the completed projects listed in that bond and sinking fund update. Other finished work includes the high school’s pool phases I and II and science wing, elementary multipurpose additions at Burton, Pattengill and Rogers, and Burton Field renovations.
Patch reported unofficial results of 4,900 votes in favor and 2,195 against the 2023 bond.
Francis told C&G Newspapers in an Aug. 25 article that the facilities would give students spaces suited to their talents.
“We’re thrilled and excited for our students to be able to be in these new spaces because, for years, we’ve had award-winning programs and we’ve had award-winning staff, and we’ve got highly skilled and talented kids,” he said.
Remaining bond work includes the BEAR Complex, short for Berkley Education, Athletics and Recreation Complex. The project includes a 60-yard indoor field house, weight room, team room, trainer room and an outdoor 120-yard turf field with lights.
In the August interview, Francis said the complex was expected to be completed in early 2027.
The first concert in the renovated Performing Arts Center is the BHS Orchestra Concert at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, according to the district’s event announcement.
