project: Irving High School Auditorium

owner: Irving Independant School District

location: Irving, Texas

architect: Powell/PSP

Overview

The $10.7 million comprehensive renovation of this 1960's auditorium was a successful effort to provide the school and community with a modern performing arts venue. While the original ceiling and seating were removed from the auditorium, efforts were taken to retain some of the architectural elements of the original brick and clay walls.

Design Charge

The desire of the architect and owner was to have a modern performing arts venue to be used by both the school as well as the community. Encore Design Group provided design for new rigging systems, sound systems, draperies, and lighting systems. We also provided recommendations and consulting for a new stage, renovated stagehouse, scene shop, dressing rooms, and control booths.

The Result

The result was a performance venue with new architecture, new HVAC systems, englarged backstage spaces including larger wing space, new seating for 1,200, and new scene shop and dressing rooms. The theatre was also provided state of the art lighting and sound systems and a new rigging system.