The Deer Park Independent School District, near Houston, sought to build a top notch performing arts center, both as a venue to bring top talent to the city and as an inspiration for students seeking to pursue a career in the performing arts. From the beginning, the intent of the district was to create a facility that would incorporate the latest, most advanced theatrical rigging, sound and lighting equipment.
The Deer Park Performing Arts Center has both a large main auditorium with a flexible stage layout and a Black Box theatre featuring a wire grid ceiling that allows for quick maintenance of lighting equipment. Attached to the existing high school, the facility is an excellent educational device for preparing students for careers in theatrical management.
A large portion of the cost of the project was earmarked for purchase of sophisticated rigging and equipment. The equipment allows the district to set up any number of flexible stage configurations, making it one of the most advanced theatrical arts facilities of any school district in Texas.
The theatre also boasts extensive sound isolation features to allow for performances to take place during school hours. The two story lobby features extensive balconies overlooking an exhibit space that can be used to display student art works.