The project: A new 500-seat auditorium with supporting backstage spaces, including a scene shop, dressing rooms,
and a welcoming lobby. The addition is equipped with a high-performance audio system, large-format video projection, production intercom, and video cue systems. Together with advanced stage lighting and rigging, these technologies create a venue capable of supporting full theatrical productions, music performances, and presentations.

The goal: Provide students with modern, professional-quality fine arts facilities that support the growing theater and music programs. In addition to enhancing the student experience, the new auditorium was envisioned as a community resource for performances, presentations, and gatherings.

Design approach: IMEG facilitated user group meetings early in the design process to ensure the facility would fully support fine arts programming while remaining flexible for multipurpose use.

The acoustics team worked closely with the architects to shape room geometry, ceiling cloud layouts, and acoustical treatments that optimize both speech and music performance.

The AV system was designed with two operational modes:

• Full Production Mode: Provides professional-level audio, video, and control capabilities for theater productions and concerts, operated by auditorium production staff and trained students.
• Simple Mode: Allows school staff and general users to quickly set up assemblies or presentations with a limited number of microphones and video projection, controlled easily from a stage-mounted touch panel without requiring technical staff.

IMEG collaborated closely with the construction manager, electrical contractor, and AV contractor to ensure devices and loudspeakers were installed in optimal locations. IMEG also provided commissioning services, working with the AV contractor to fine-tune system performance, program presets, and train users. This partnership ensured the auditorium met its technical goals and created a venue that elevates both student and community experiences.

Design highlights: A hybrid approach for the audio system combines a mono center loudspeaker array for reinforced speech with stereo left/right loudspeakers and subwoofers for music and media playback. This design improves speech intelligibility while delivering impactful, immersive sound for performances.

Back-loaded ceiling clouds control reverberation, while diffusive surfaces enhance both speech clarity and musical richness. Cloud angles were carefully coordinated to provide both reflection support and optimal loudspeaker coverage.

The outcome: The new auditorium provides students with a professional-quality venue that elevates the fine arts program and enriches the overall educational experience. The flexible systems ensure ease of use for day-to-day school functions while supporting the technical demands of theater, music, and community events. With its high-performance acoustics and advanced AV capabilities, the auditorium is positioned to become a central gathering place for both the school and the broader community, fostering pride and engagement for years to come.