Performing Arts Center

The long-awaited Performing Arts Center and Performance Lab Building project is coming to completion. This fall, there will be preliminary events for the school, college and community. The grand opening is scheduled for February 2022, as the pandemic allows. The project started in 2019 with the demolition of the previous auditorium that was closed in 2014 due to seismic hazards. The new Performing Arts Center is a joint project with our educational partner, Santa Monica College. The Performing Arts Center is a two-story auditorium, with lower and elevated seating areas resulting in a 750 seat capacity. The auditorium includes an electronic acoustic system, state-of-the-art theatrical lighting and touch control sound system. The stage flooring is installed, as well as the front of stage lift that can be raised to expand the stage playing area or lowered to provide additional seating. The Back of House includes dressing rooms, a green room, a stage manager’s office, star rooms and restrooms. The Choir Room is located on the second level of the Back of House. Performance Lab The Performance Lab features a large multi-purpose room that can serve as a rehearsal hall, dance studio, reception area or meeting space. The support areas include a ticketing office, catering room, storage and restrooms.

Performance Lab

The Performance Lab is a 2,095 square foot space with end-cut wood flooring and a surrounding glass sliding door. The Performance Lab has mirrors for dance, projection for classes, and drapery surrounding the room to adjust the acoustics. The Rehearsal Building is complete with no outstanding work, and ready to be open at the start of the school year. The Performing Arts Center and Rehearsal Building include the new District-standard Aviglion Security Camera surveillance system throughout, as well as SALTO electronic lock hardware on all access doors for increased security.

PA/Clock System Replacement
Once complete, the PA/clock systems will be combined
in a single set of hardware devices. This system provides
improved paging functionality and a new ability to post
text messages useful for daily updates and information
during emergencies. Similar to other equipment, some
critical devices have been affected by disruptions in the
global supply chain. We have moved forward with the
installation of supporting infrastructure, and the
PA/Clock System will be installed outside of school
hours once they arrive. We anticipate that these systems
will be complete at the end of September.

Security Cameras & Intrusion Alarm
Security cameras have been recently upgraded at
SMMUSD campuses and other properties. Once
complete, JAMS will be managed under the same
district wide security camera network. The new intrusion
alarm is designed to work together with the security
cameras and will be managed by the same software
system. In order to reduce the impact to students and
school staff, we have moved forward with the
installation of supporting infrastructure, and the camera
and alarm devices will be installed outside of school
hours once they arrive. We anticipate that these systems
will be complete at the end of September.

The Performing Arts Center is nearly complete and almost ready for students. This striking PAC will be a central part of the school and the surrounding public.  We can't wait for their first performance!

The seating and stage area is nearing completion and the following have been installed:

• Seats
• Handrails
• Speakers

Lobby and Front of House (FOH)

• The curtain wall system is installed
• Windows at the mixing booth are installed
• The wheelchair lift is installed in the lobby

Back of House

• Cloud Acoustical Sound Tiles at the choir room have been installed
• Mechanical equipment (chiller and air handling units) have been installed at the mechanical yard
• Ceiling tiles at Levels 1 and 2 are installed

Progress continues on the JAMS PAC.  We can't wait for the students to get to experience this beautiful Performing Arts Center!

Glazing at the Lobby is installed. 

Seat installation at the PAC seating area is underway.

Acoustical Sound Tiles in the choir room are being installed. 

The stage and seating area is seeing great progress as the stage lift structure and theatrical rigging system installation are underway. 

At the lobby and front of house, the slab-on-grade was poured on February 2nd.

Scaffolding and taping of the auditorium sidewalls is underway. 

 Next up is othe panting f the auditorium interior, which will allow f the start of installing Audio-Visual devices. 

Track lights at the rehearsal building are being installed.

The PAC will be a great asset to the students once they return to campus, we can't wait for their first performance!

Performing Arts Center 

When complete, the center, a joint project with Santa Monica College, will house a 750-seat theater, dedicated rehearsal space, choir room and more. 

Progress continues on the stage and seating area and on both levels of the building and back of building. Taping fo interior walls and ceilings, two restrooms are having tile work and fixtures installed. 

Painting and structual work is complted on the catwalk level. 

Rehersal Building

Scaffolding has been erected around the exterior of the rehersal building.

Sitewide

Sitewide, all utlities have been installed including gas, fire water, domestic water, sewer and storm drains.

The exterior and interior walls have long been up, but now the new performing arts center's main seating area and production areas are starting to take their final shape. One can see the gradually sloped seating plan.

Eventually, this space will have 750 seats and state-of-the-art sound and light systems that will help host hundreds of events each year. It is on schedule to be ready for use in the fall of 2021.

In addition to the latest production amenities, the theater also has many safety features, such as the large smoke-evacuation vents shown below. They can clear the theater of smoke quickly in the event of an emergency.