Sedona Red Rock High School Performing Arts Center

The existing auditorium facility for Sedona Oak Creek Unified School District is located at the Red Rock High School and seats 250 people. In 2007, the community of Sedona passed a $73 million bond for the school district. Part of the bond included the renovation of the existing auditorium into a state-of-the art performing arts center to seat 750 people. This performing arts center will not only be used by the District for its events, but will be used as a premier performing arts facility for the City of Sedona. The project brief included the enlargement of the stage and back-stage facilities.

A new rigging system with 20 lines is being designed to offer the renters the opportunity to integrate multiple back-drops for large productions. The stage will be outfitted with an easy to dismantle orchestra pit cover. The addition of the lobby is a two story volume that captures the mystique beauty of the Sedona Red Rocks. The entry into the main lobby is through a art gallery that will feature the works of local and visiting artists. The performing arts space is specifically designed with variable acoustics to allow the space to be used for music and drama productions. The facility is designed to be a LEED-Silver certified building. Keeping in line with the theme of energy-efficiency that was built into the bond, the Performing Arts Center will have its own stand-alone HVAC system, which will be monitored and controlled by an EMS system.

Working with CM@R on this project has been a real benefit as the remodel/addition has many existing building challenges that have to be evaluated in a timely manner so that the design and construction may be carried out seamlessly. Challenges such as existing building structural integrity, staging, fire alarm, constructability, systems integration etc. have to be coordinated, discussed and resolved upfront for the successful construction of the project.