Hornby High School
Floor plan.A stand-alone drama suite was developed for year 9–13 classes on a limited budget by adapting an existing room that had served as senior common room.
Drama room.The drama room is slightly larger than a standard classroom. Windows were removed from the end wall and the surface painted matt white to serve as a cyclorama and projection screen. The existing timber floor is covered with good quality acoustic vinyl. A piece of carpet can be rolled out when required.
Lighting bars are attached close to the shallow gabled ceiling to maximise available height. A continuous rail enables the side and end (cyclorama) walls to be curtained.
Teacher's area.Compact adjoining rooms open off the teacher's area of the main room. In the centre, a small wardrobe and properties storeroom is fitted with a sliding door to maximise space. Both sides of the door are covered with whiteboard material, for teaching notes on the exterior and production notes inside.
Seminar room.Opening from right side is a small seminar room fitted with a bench. It is used for senior study and breakout groups.
Opening from a passage on the left is a small kitchen containing a sink and a mirror suitable for makeup. A teacher's office beyond leads to a secure storage room.
The facility was fully wired with 3-phase power for theatre lighting and computers at the time of the renovation, even though the equipment was not available at the time. Lighting equipment is stored in a cupboard in the teacher's area. The lighting board can be connected at two locations in the room, depending on performance layout.
Good quality speakers are mounted high in the end corners of the room, and the sound system is controlled from the central storage room.
Ventilation is via high louvre windows and a heat pump provides warm or cool air. An external door provides after-hours and public access.
Hornby High also has an auditorium that serves as a fully equipped theatre for significant performances, and is used occasionally by drama classes.
For more information, contact Hornby High School.