Woodside High School, Performing Arts Center

Woodside, California

Firm

DES Architects + Engineers

Client

Sequoia Union High School District

Area

27,300 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$14,500,000

Completion Date

10/2004

A new laboratory for teaching and learning the art of theater has been designed for Woodside High School, where students will experience professional theater through modern technology and architecture.
The Performing Arts Center includes a 500-seat auditorium with a professional-size, 45-foot by 90-foot stage and fly tower; a multipurpose room that can be used as a dance studio, a green room or a drama classroom; dressing rooms; a costume-fitting room; a scenery workshop; a lobby; restrooms; and a box office. The music department includes two rehearsal rooms for music and choral, offices and instrument storage.
Flexibility was a requirement. The stage was designed with an adjustable orchestra lift, which can be raised and lowered in seconds, even while holding an entire orchestra. Stage electrics are served in the fly space rigging with a sufficient amount of power and dimming, and room for future expansion.
To accommodate the acoustic needs of a variety of performances, heavy motorized acoustic curtains were introduced in the upper interstitial spaces and the rear of the auditorium. Wooden slat walls are used extensively as acoustically transparent baffling and camouflage elements for the acoustic systems. Theatrical lighting was situated at critical angles and distances to minimize shadowing, and to enhance and dramatize the performances.