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Much Ado About Middle School

MUCH ADO ABOUT MIDDLE SCHOOL

Wydown Middle School Students Set to Debut State-of-the-Art Theater

 

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             The buzz of excitement is palpable at Wydown Middle School in Clayton as students and their teachers prepare for the inaugural production in the school’s brand new, state-of-the-art theater. Forty-one young actors, along with a technical crew of 37 students and a costume crew of 29, are part of a theatrical production that will provide positive educational experiences in the world of theatre. “Much Ado About Middle School,” a play by Christopher Burruto, a middle school teacher in New York, will debut November 14-16.

 

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“When the Clayton Community and the Clayton School District decided to replace the middle school, their top priority was to create ‘the best learning environment for our children,’” explained Traci O’Bryan, president of Arcturis, the lead architectural firm on the project. “The auditorium design was no exception. This theater rivals any community or school facility anywhere in the region.”

 

The new Wydown Theater, the centerpiece of the school’s new fine arts wing, was designed by Arcturis to provide an appropriate environment to support the school’s popular performing arts program, including set design facilities, lighting, audio-visual equipment, and areas to simulate backstage activities. The volume, wall articulation and floor plane are shaped to enhance viewing, acoustics and aesthetics.

 

O’Bryan noted that the architectural team at Arcturis and Neumann Monson worked closely with the Wydown staff and its 600 students to create a timeless educational environment that will span generations.  Students provided ideas and diagrams developed through their math classes. The student government added its input on finish selections, and other students conducted research on sustainable practices that would make sense for the new school. “It was a total team effort, and the final product is one for which everyone at Wydown can share a real sense of pride,” she said.

 

The new theater will also be available for use by other school and community groups. Wydown officials expect it to be a popular and busy venue.

 

The 498-seat theater features an elevated technical and sound booth, complete with state-of-the-art sound equipment and 3-D video projection. A 50-foot-high fly loft allows crews to maneuver sets vertically and is outfitted with light booms with modern lighting equipment. Curved wood ceiling panels are placed for acoustic balance and activate the ceiling plane. The audience experience is enhanced by the warm woods and deep blue colors that create a comfortable and sophisticated feel.

 

“Equally important, we designed the building so that the engineering arts room is located adjacent to the stage area and is fully equipped with machinery for building and constructing sets,” O’Bryan said. “During theater productions, the sets can be constructed and moved directly to the stage area. The performing arts classroom is also located behind the stage area and doubles as the green room, with special areas set up for make-up and costuming.”

 

The theater is a focal point within the 120,000-square-foot, two-story school, which was rebuilt and expanded following passage of a $39.4 million bond issue in 2010. The school sits on the site of a 1904 World’s Fair exhibit. The new school was built in phases in order to maintain a functioning school throughout construction. The Education Wing and classrooms opened last year, with the Fine Arts wing and the Gymnasium ready for the current school year. The final phase of construction will include an underground parking structure, topped by a recreational/athletic field.

 

“It has been an amazing experience watching this school be transformed over the past two years,” said Mary Ann Goldberg, Wydown’s principal. “What is most exciting is that our students now have a 21st-century learning environment in which to thrive.”

 

Features of the new school include “Main Street,” a broad, open corridor that provides flexible space for dining, assemblies, special events, presentations and small group learning opportunities. Collaborative team learning areas, each with its own computer lab, and flexible teaching and communal areas are adaptable to the needs of students. Outdoor learning areas include an outdoor classroom, horticultural area and art terrace. Arcturis designed the facility to achieve LEED gold certification for environmental sustainability.

 

As the curtain at Wydown is set to rise on a new era in education for the 6th, 7th and 8th grade students at Wydown, “all I can say to everyone who made this possible is, take a bow!” said Goldberg.

 

Arcturis (www.arcturis.com) is a multi-disciplined design firm known in its 35-year history for award-winning projects locally and nationally. Arcturis has a strong portfolio of work with corporate, healthcare, civic and educational clients. Clients include The Clayton School District, Houston Independent School District, Washington University, University of Missouri St. Louis, Wells Fargo Advisors, Express Scripts, Monsanto, and BJC HealthCare. Arcturis is a certified WBE by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and is committed to strengthening the community through philanthropic service and by embracing the environment with sustainable practices and design.

 

About the School District of Clayton:  As a public school system dedicated to the education of all children who come to our schools, the School District of Clayton develops leaders who shape the world through independence, creativity and critical thinking. The District’s early childhood center, three elementary schools, middle school and high school serve a diverse student body of approximately 2,500. www.claytonschools.net

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