Burnside High School
A sophisticated 700-seat public theatre was constructed at the school. The theatre has full technical facilities, an orchestra pit, and excellent acoustics for music. It is hired out for commercial and community use.
The theatre was funded by a combination of education and community funding and sponsorship, and is administered by a trust that employs permanent administration staff. Staff and students contribute some technical expertise (such as sound, lighting, and staging), which assists students to achieve national qualifications credits in drama, music technology, and performing arts technology.
A memorandum of understanding between the trust and the school ensures that the school has access to all theatre facilities until 4.30pm on school days, plus evening and weekend access when booked in advance. The school timetables use of four of the theatre's backstage rooms and has access to the main theatre on a daily booking system.
The theatre was built between the road and existing music block so that the corridors of the existing music suite link with the rear of the theatre. This gives classes direct access to the theatre's green room and three of the theatre's dressing rooms.
Theatre green room.The green room is larger than a standard classroom and is used for curriculum music teaching and band/orchestra rehearsals.
Theatre dressing room.The dressing rooms were designed to serve as large music practice rooms during school hours. The only permanent dressing room fittings in these rooms are sinks and mirrors, which are both useful for music students.
To find out more, contact Burnside High School.