San Diego voters approved bond measures to renovate, repair, and revitalize district schools and learning environments. Sundt currently has active projects across the San Diego Unified School District, ranging from athletic facilities to college, career and technical education classrooms and lecture halls. Most recently, our team turned over the Performing Arts Center (PAC) at Morse High School, part of the school’s Whole Site Modernization.
When the team arrived boots on the ground in March 2022 to begin work on phase III, the first step was to build a brand-new student services building. The 12,301 square-foot building included offices, student services, physical and mental health facilities, lounge and workroom spaces.
The team then set its sights on the PAC. The 24,416-square-foot PAC is a 480-seat high-tech theater that will support a wide range of arts programs at Morse High School. Not only will students and staff have the opportunity to use the space, but the theater will serve as a community hub for local performances.
Let’s take a tour of this state-of-the-art facility.
As students and guests enter the theater, they’re greeted by a sleek design. Cast-in-place concrete flanks the concession stand ticket booth and storage spaces. Walk down the hallway and guests will notice multi-colored glass, which reflects the light in yellow, orange, pink and red. From the lobby, there are multiple entrances to the theater.
Pitch Perfect
The impressive 480-seat auditorium has several entrances, all accompanied by light lock rooms to eliminate disturbances to performances. There’s also an accessible wheelchair lift to the upper level of the theater. Wood paneling was installed overhead and surrounding the seats to enhance the acoustics of the space.
On the upper level, users have access to a control room and sound mix room with a built-in communication system, allowing technicians to speak directly to performers backstage.
The catwalk and mezzanine are accessed from backstage or from inside the theater itself and are used to adjust the intricate stage lighting system.
Center Stage
The stage itself is equipped for all types of performances. The rigging system above the stage controls lights and adjustable drapes and includes an orchestra shell that manipulates acoustics for certain performances. The orchestra pit lives just in front of the stage, which is covered by removable panels and a fall protection net for when a performance includes live music. The pit was constructed as part of the foundation of the building.
“Our teams are proud of this building and know the students are excited to use the features. I can’t wait to see a performance here!”
Sherry Theofanides, Senior Project Engineer
Behind the Scenes
Backstage, students and teachers now have access to a scene shop, dressing and costume storage rooms, a green room and a high-tech black box theater. Each space also has an audio plate that allows performers to communicate throughout the building.
The black box theater is a multipurpose room that will be used for classes and smaller performances. It includes more adjustable lighting rigged to the ceiling; built-in sound; special paneling and curtains to enhance acoustics; and a sectional overhead door that can be used to bring in large set pieces.
Brick by Brick
Finally, the brand-new building deserved a spotless entrance. The team redesigned the parking lot, making school drop-off and pick-up more efficient. As students approach the new PAC and the Student Services Building at Morse High, they’ll also notice the school’s name displayed in a brick architectural feature on the top of the building. Additionally, the Sundt team upgraded the school’s quad with landscaping, a new light system, walkways, benches and grass areas.
We’re excited to continue our partnership with San Diego Unified and deliver critical site upgrades and brand new facilities to students and staff across the city.
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