Project Architect, Denise Shaw (while employed at Pfluger Associates), joined the design team late in the Design Development of the project. She was responsible for coordinating between the various consultants – to dovetail their various systems with the desired upgrades to the theatre’s aesthetics and providing additional accessible seating positions disbursed throughout the existing Auditorium and controls positions. Plfuger Associates is the Architect of Record (A.O.R.).
The existing Westlake High School Theatre, Recital Hall, Lecture Hall and Lobby had not seen any significant updates since its original construction in the mid-1980’s. The Recital Hall and Lecture Hall were installed on an operable “turn-table”, allowing rooms to spin around to serve as overflow seating for the theatre, allowing for approximately 1100 seats when fully opened.
The round forms of these rotating rooms presented acoustical incongruities that required correction. Working closely with BAi as the acoustical consultant, and Schuler Shook as the theatre consultant, the entire theatre was renovated and updated to match the caliber of the skills and proficiency of the school’s award-winning theatre arts program: the Westlake Technical Entertainment Crew.
As part of the renovation project, Westlake Students were given the opportunity to receive education and training on lighting and sound controls, rigging, and set design – all components necessary for hosting a wide range of live performances within their Performing Arts Center. Many of these students acquired sufficient knowledge and skills to work at the local theatres and performance halls on their summer breaks.
The PAC hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year, each with separate and distinct acoustical needs. The theatre offers “variable acoustics”, allowing the space to be “tuned” based on the anticipated type of performance. Curtains on the side walls deploy or retract at pre-set increments depending on the absorption needed within the space.
The renovations to the Auditorium were so well received that upon its reopening, the facility was rededicated as the Westlake Community Performing Arts Center.
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