Over the past two years, PVHS has seen several upgrades – from a renovated track to a new scoreboard to the construction of a new wing. Yet, these recent developments have left students wondering when they will finally see improvements to a heavily used facility: the auditorium.
For decades, the PVHS auditorium has accommodated thousands of events. In addition to formal events and processes, the theater hosts drama related rehearsals and marching band rehearsals during the fall. Despite the theater’s wear and tear over the years, it continues to stand as PVHS’s primary auditorium space.
The district’s two-phase extension plan, which saw over 20 million dollars of investment, brought major improvements by 2019, including a freshman tower, new office space and a new gym. During phase two, the district anticipates over 5,000 feet of new classroom space and new locker rooms added in another extension to the Southwest side of the high school.
Although there have been talks of a confirmed phase three, the numerous renovation plans seem to be lacking a redo of the aging theater. Compared to other nearby districts, PV’s theater appears to be quite lackluster. Bettendorf’s auditorium features a larger space on stage for better reverberation, while North Scott’s towering concert hall is not only much larger, but is in much better condition.
Students expressed their disappointment with the auditorium’s appearance when compared to rival schools. “It’s just kind of sad to think that we have such great theater and music programs but don’t have a matching auditorium to show people these arts,” said sophomore Alyvia Urista.
A redo to the entire auditorium could bring more upgrades for the theater department as well. Old costumes, lighting and sound equipment used for countless productions could be replaced, and larger stage elements like catwalks and prop lofts could see developments as well.
PVHS theater member Kailee McCaw showed excitement at the potential of theater equipment improvements. “Some of the equipment is just getting really old, and we’d love to have a new set of props, as well as we can always use more staging, lighting and camera funding,” said McCaw.
While the possibility of an overhaul to the PVHS auditorium seems far off in the future, the needs for renovation are very much present. A complete auditorium renovation could not only represent PV well during formal events and ceremonies, but it has the potential to leave a positive impact on groups like Spartan Drama, Spartan Band and Orchestra for years to come.
