Heaton Normal Intermediate School
A new performing arts centre adjoins a large existing music room and the school hall that is used for physical education and other activities.
The school's aim was to create a dance and drama teaching space that would also serve as a theatre, in order to reinforce the school's strong arts focus, and to enhance oral and performance skills and confidence, especially for boys.
Performance space.The performance space has a large timber stage area with a proscenium façade at ceiling level. The stage has a cyclorama back wall, lighting bars, front curtains, and tabs. Double doors open to the car park on each side of the stage, one leading directly across to the music room.
Control box and fixed seating.There is a large control box, and fixed tiered seating for 114 in the rear of the space. By adding chairs up to the line of the proscenium, an audience of 250 can be seated.
The whole space has ducted ventilation, and the excellent acoustics are aided by the angled ceiling and perforated particle board baffles.
Foyer.The centre has a large public foyer that also serves as the school's art gallery. A room opening off the foyer through folding doors (to the right in the photograph) is suitable for functions, breakout groups, and storing student equipment.
To find out more, contact Heaton Normal Intermediate School.