Performing Arts Facilities in Schools

Click to enlarge Floor plan.

A purpose-built performing arts block contains an entrance atrium, music suite, drama/dance room, and a 'conservatory' room that opens to a grassed amphitheatre.

Click to enlarge Atrium.

The uncovered central atrium gives access to all rooms and was acoustically designed for performances. Glazed verandahs protect doors and student equipment left outside rooms.

Click to enlarge Twin doors.

Music practice rooms open to the entrance atrium, keeping practice noise away from the music room (but projecting some noise across to other rooms). All music practice rooms have twin doors for sound insulation, and one has a double door to give access for large instruments.

Computers line two walls of the main music room, with units that allow keyboards to be slipped away. Double doors give immediate access from the main music room to a large storage room, and there is a sink in the corner.

Click to enlarge Drama room.

The drama room doubles as a dance studio, despite its low ceiling and hanging lights. The floor is concrete covered with "Pulastic" tarquette over approximately 10mm of padding, providing a surface suitable for simple dance. A large wall mirror is used primarily for dance classes, but is also useful for mask and movement work in drama.

Click to enlarge Recording and control rooms.

Two recording/control rooms, have windows looking into the music or drama rooms, plus the atrium and 'conservatory' room.

Click to enlarge 'Conservatory' room.

The 'conservatory' room has full length windows on three sides, and is linked to both the music and drama rooms via folding doors. These doors are rarely opened during classes but the room is often used for breakout groups.

The tall windows of the 'conservatory' room have blinds for controlling sunlight, and the three glazed walls can be raised so the room becomes a stage for an audience seated in a simple grassed amphitheatre outside. The music and drama rooms also open onto the amphitheatre.