Committee supports 574-seat HS auditorium in new proposal
The Building Exploratory Committee still has one crucial decision remaining in plans for a new school campus. On Oct. 26, the committee debated pros and cons of final plans for a $76 million school expansion project. The committee decided to include plans for a $3 million-plus auditorium with seating for 574. One proposal would have “lopped off”the balcony which seats 174, and reduce auditorium space to a 300-person capacity. Lavallee and Brensinger architects Joe Britton and Lance Whitehead explained the proposal would not save “significant dollars” and would result in a lot of empty space.
Architects described the current high school’s auditorium, with seating for 200, more as a “lecture hall.” As members discussed the auditorium, a consensus was reached to propose a full-sized one. The committee believes a full-sized hall has potential to serve both school and community functions.
Committee member Abby Jones supported the decision. She reported about her conversation with Boothbay Region YMCA Arts and Humanities Director Emily Mirabile. Jones sought her opinion about whether there was a need for a large hall. “Y Arts buses kids to Damariscotta for summer shows. (Mirabile) envisions a need for a community theater and collaborating with the school as the Y currently does for practice and performances,” she said.
Whitehead explained technology accounted for most of the auditorium’s cost, and likely would attract community donations. “This creates a unique fundraising opportunity because most auditoriums have a name attached,” he said.