Allen Park High School, Allen Park Center for the Arts

Allen Park, Michigan

Firm

French Associates

Client

Allen Park Public Schools

Area

235,168 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$36,000,000

Completion Date

11/2006

The Allen Park School District has been transformed by major remodeling and additions to its facilities, including the high school. Particularly noteworthy is the new Allen Park Center for the Arts at Allen Park High School, with its eye-catching scalloped front facade.
This theater took its design cues directly from nature. Visitors are encouraged to imagine themselves nestled in a forest with three trunks embracing them and a canopy of foliage overhead.
The house was designed to be a “working theater” where parents could not only see their aspiring actors on stage—but also observe them performing stagehand duties on the professional rigging system or from the lighting catwalks stretched overhead. State-of-the-art lighting controls and sound systems provide ultimate flexibility for both drama and musical events. The orchestra pit easily accommodates the musicians, and the backstage areas include an array of support spaces.
All the rooms have audio and television connections so those backstage can see what is going on in the performance and not miss their cues.