Lincoln High School, Performing Arts Center (Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.)

This project called for an 800-seat theater to be connected to an existing 30-year-old high school. The facility was to function not only as a teaching theater for the high school music and drama departments, but also as a regional community performing-arts center to accommodate professional theater groups and concerts.

The district wanted the building to operate independently of the high school, and to have its own entrance and lobby. The facility includes a fully equipped scene shop, dressing rooms, loading dock with storage, a manager’s office, piano garage and rehearsal space. The stage has a full-fly space, an orchestra pit and a trap, and can accommodate a full orchestra shell.

The site is between two existing parking lots, each of which serves the performing-arts center. As a gesture to the community and to provide a front door to both parking lots and the street, the building’s main facade became a sweeping curve. The curve encloses the long main lobby, which also serves as a gallery for local artists’ work.

Materials used in the theater include cherry paneling laid in a modular grid. Accent colors of black, burgundy and slate green were used throughout the building.

Additional Information

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