Theatres and auditoriums
Many schools have developed sophisticated auditoriums suitable for major productions, concerts, assemblies and other large school events, and possibly for community use. Some are actually very well-equipped theatres.
The needs and interests of drama classes and the arts curriculum are often among the justifications for building these facilities.
Paradoxically, however, such developments can leave curriculum arts programmes no better or even worse off. This can occur when:
- schools spend so much on a theatre that arts classrooms take a low priority
- theatres occupy spaces formerly available as flexible performance spaces and/or storage areas (often a consequence of assembly hall conversions)
- dance and drama teachers are expected to use the theatre as a classroom
- community or commercial access to the theatre limits curriculum use as a classroom or an occasional performance space. (See also 'Some pitfalls of community funding and use' page.)
Dance, drama, and music classes also need access to a quality performance space. But their primary need is for excellent teaching spaces where students can explore and experiment with all facets of the performing arts.
Many drama and dance teachers say they prefer a large and well equipped studio with ready access to a small theatre, rather than a basic drama or dance room and access to a large and well-equipped theatre.
Some specialists recommend dividing a large school hall into two spaces – one space converted into a small theatre (that could still have a flexible, open performance area and audience seating for over 200), and one space made into a dance/drama/rehearsal space with direct access to the theatre facilities.