*renderings for conceptual illustration only
Performing Arts Center As Cornerstone
Under the Chieftain Stronger Bond 2023 proposal, a Performing Arts Center would be the cornerstone project of the new Sapulpa High School. The conceptual design would include 1,000 or more seats, including a balcony. An orchestra pit, additional backstage space, and a larger fly space will allow for more complex productions.
A new Performing Arts Center offers a venue not only to showcase Sapulpa students’ fine and performing arts but also a place for the community to enjoy. The stage could be used for dance recitals, community theater productions, cultural events, concerts, and presentations. It offers a large venue to bring visitors and dollars to Sapulpa.
“The high school auditorium has long been a special place for our school community," said Rob Armstrong, SPS Superintendent. "Unfortunately, due to age, persistent leaky roofs, and wear and tear over decades of heavy use, the current auditorium does not reflect the great things our students are doing. A new space is desperately needed."
Learn for the Future
The conceptual design would move band, music, and theatre rooms to an area adjacent to the PAC so students have easier access to the performance area.
"A new PAC will give our students the resources they need to learn more about theatre than they can in the current facility," said Becky Braswell, SHS Theatre, Speech and Debate teacher. "It will offer opportunities for students to learn about technical theatre - what happens behind the stage. Things like running lights, sound, curtains, and even things like projections and flying sets in and out. It will also open up opportunities for us to do shows that are too big for our current facility. There will be room to build sets and props and to store the things we have and make. There should also be plenty of storage added for costumes, props, and supplies that come with putting on shows. With a new PAC we will get actual dressing rooms for our students! Currently they have to get ready in bathrooms, the choir room, and choir practice rooms. Finally, it will be exciting to have all of our performing artists in the same building. I imagine that could open up opportunities for some creative collaboration among all of our departments."
There are many career paths in the performing arts beyond the stage – marketing, lighting design, costume design, writing, special effects, set design, and box office management are just a few examples. The PAC will be much more than a stage. It will be a first-rate learning environment for students to explore college and career-ready paths. Not to mention, fine arts education is key to developing more successful students.
“Music is very important to kids’ development. It’s an activity where they use both sides of their brain in order to learn to play an instrument and to perform that music. There’s been lots of research about how it helps their brain develop,” said Whitney Yokum, Sapulpa High School band director. “Also, though, it’s huge in helping them develop character. Performing music is not an easy thing. When they learn to play their instrument, they learn to be bad at something and then practice, and get good at it in order to perform. That process of growing through something– that’s a big, big thing that music helps them with.”
Create Community Connections
A state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center is something our district would be proud to share. We envision a community plaza outside of the PAC, which could attract art shows, farmers markets, and festivals to give people a place to meet and gather.
“Sapulpa could host any number of events at a new auditorium and we are very much looking forward to expanding opportunities with our community partners,” said Mr. Armstrong. “It’s all about opportunities. Our school facilities should reflect the incredible learning opportunities our students receive.”
A PAC would be a premier place for guest speakers, educational presentations, stage productions and musicals, student-led events, and our traditional high school assemblies such as Senior Assembly or Howdy Week Assembly.
NOW is the Time
Sapulpa Bands students are learning to become leaders and teachers, through a robust mentorship program and workshops that a new PAC would support. Band and vocal music students are attending college on music scholarships. Our programs receive superior ratings at state contests. In the 2022-23 season, the Sapulpa High School band’s wind ensemble received the Sweepstakes award for combined superior ratings in both state concert and marching band contests.
Theatre and vocal music students are routinely invited to perform at the Tulsa PAC for the Discovery Awards, which recognizes local musical theatre students.
“Our students are doing great things and our community is endlessly supportive. Superior learning environments, such as the proposed PAC, will facilitate a comprehensive curriculum and provide enhanced opportunities to shape well-rounded students,” said Mr. Armstrong.
Keep checking sapulpaps.org/bond2023 where you will find the answers to Frequently Asked Questions and a list of proposed projects.
We will add more information and additional renderings leading up to the bond election on Tuesday, September 12.
Sapulpa Times: Chieftain Stronger, Part Two: The Performing Arts Center
Design renderings for conceptual illustration only.