Page 9 - Priorities #17 2001-October

school-wide assemblies, lectures, and dances while giving students the space and technological support for a wide variety of theater and musical performances. The room can adapt to small groups, and more than one group at a time, and it has a maximum seating of about 430 for performances and more than 530 for community events such as graduations.
The front lobby will provide a site for small conferences, public events and receptions, as well as an area to showcase outstanding student work in the fine arts. Three attached classrooms will be outfitted optimally for theater and music study but can easily be used by other departments. A fourth room will be outfitted with shop equipment for theater and other student work.
One benefit of a new auditorium that appeals to Ray Rothrock, parent of an incoming sixth grader and Portola Valley resident, is “the opportunity for Portola Valley to have a state-of- the-art modern facility for possible town-wide events in addition to the Priory's activities. The Priory's musicians are award-winning, and our Community Forum lecture series is popular. The school is already forced to turn away neighbors who would like seating at the variousstageproductionsofthePriory. Whatmightwedoinconjunctionwithourtownand neighbors? Theskyisthelimit.”
Student Jesse Lampert is one of those who would love to make use of better performing arts facilities.
“I think it would be really cool to think you’re playing in a great facility. You’re giving back to your community and you’re sharing your talent with other people.”
The new Center for the Performing Arts will provide an auditorium and classrooms outfitted to support arts instruction and greater student participation.
(Sketch by Trustee Al Ebneter.)
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