Durrington High School are extremely proud to share the next phase of our ongoing investment in our school, ensuring we have the best facilities for our students and staff to teach and learn.
Our Performing Arts Centre has taken a number of years of planning and over a year of construction, we are delighted with the result and the fantastic opportunities the centre will give our students. The centre is world class and gives our students a space which is reflective of their exceptional talent.
The centre is approximately 900m2, it boasts electronic retractable bleacher seating for 335 people with additional loose seating taking the total capacity to 500. The space has been acoustically designed to ensure the capabilities of the audio system, the vocals within production and clarity of sound from instruments is maximised.
Back of stage are changing rooms complete with show relays and access to the first floor, the technician’s box, mezzanine level and Dance studio.
The technician’s box is situated at the rear of the theatre and controls the state-of-the-art sound, light and visuals. There is a 7.5m wide projector screen which is paired to a high specification laser projector, and there are 11 speakers which form the surround sound system and 35 stage lights. The ability to live stream and record is built in with adjustable cameras.
Our new Dance Studio has a sprung floor, mirrored wall and ballet barres, an audio system with integrated speakers is included alongside display equipment. The whole centre is air conditioned and has underfloor heating throughout.
Rehearsals are already underway for our first production which will be our whole school musical taking place later this term!
Mr Allison said: “We want our students to aspire to be the
absolute best. In order to do so, they deserve the very best
facilities. This is why we are so delighted with our new Performing Arts
Centre. It will enable our incredibly talented students to perform in an
inspiring environment.”
Mr Woodcock added: “We are delighted that, at the end of a 12-month
period, our new Performing Arts Centre is now in use. We thank CBG
construction and school staff involved in the delivery of a quite simply
outstanding final product and for showing such attention to detail. The centre will have a range of uses including drama and musical
performances, assemblies and lectures; all of which will be of huge benefit to
our students both now and in the future.”
Mrs Isham, Director of Performing Arts said: “I have been
like a child in a sweet shop since Easter, every spare moment has been taken up
exploring the brand-new theatre. I cannot believe how lucky the staff and
students are to have such an exceptional space. Our dance live team have
completed their final rehearsals in the space and have commented on how it is a
better space than some professional theatres. The state-of-the-art lighting and
sound are simply superb and the students will gain so much from using this
versatile space. I can’t wait for our opening gala concert on 13th June and to
get started on next year’s performances!!!!”
