The school year might have started, but theater students of all grade levels have yet to attend their class, due to an unexpected event.
In late July of this past summer, the FAB (fine arts building) was subject to a broken pipe that caused flooding throughout the building. The flooding went on for approximately 14 hours before it was discovered, resulting in water depths ranging from 1/16 of an inch to 11 inches high, depending on the area. It was found by band teacher Ryan Pride, who had come to the building over the summer. This unexpected visit saved the FAB from further damage.
“I’m just glad Mr. Pride caught the flooding when he did,” said principal Andy Baxa.
The flooding reached much of the FAB, including the band hall, orchestra room, and the fine arts building theater (The FABT). The FAB is also home to multiple choir, AP Music Theory, and guitar classrooms; all of which were subjected to flooding as well. The water damage regarding the buildings was extensive, and the band program’s equipment also endured damage. With the first day of school looming, construction began quickly. For the most part, construction was finished by the start of the school year, with the one main exception being the FABT and its remodeling.
“Fortunately, we did not lose any major items such as the curtains, lighting equipment, costumes, props, or furniture. However, the entire stage floor was removed to allow for drying out and to ensure mold could not grow under the stage,” said theater director Ms. Brookby. “The replacement of the stage floor will be the longest aspect of the repair construction. We anticipate being displaced for at least another month.”
Under normal circumstances, the FABT is used as a classroom for both Brookby and musical theater teacher and director Robert Carasco. Consequently, many of the theater classrooms have had to be relocated wherever they find space.
“I have classes meeting in the portables, the cafeteria, different available classrooms, and the dance studio,” Brookby says. “We’ve also met in the library, the MAC lobby, and outside.”
Students have taken well to this adjustment period, with Brookby complimenting their ability to go with the flow with little frustration regarding the situation. The students aren’t the only ones, though.
Freshman performance theater major Lola Cooper said her class has become well adapted to the challenge of doing theater class in an unorthodox fashion.
“My teacher, Ms. Brookby, has adjusted well, and our class has continued learning as normal,” said Cooper. “The construction has made learning different, since we are not practicing on a stage. We also don’t get to learn in a place where most of our shows will be.”
The construction on the stage has also affected other aspects of Mac theatre, namely the rehearsal process for the upcoming musical, Between the Lines. The rehearsal process for Between the Lines began a few weeks before the start of school, and the cast and crew have had to find new spaces, including the dance building and choir room.
“Our very first rehearsal was meant to be on the FABT stage, which is a tighter space than the dance building which is where we went instead.” said junior Paityn Jones. “It worked out but it was harder to connect with everyone because we were so spread apart.”
According to Principal Baxa, the construction’s projected completion date is Sep. 26, but that is subject to change. Until then, the directors and students alike will wait patiently for their new space.
“I am so excited for the building,” Jones said. “I think I can speak for all students and directors involved with Mac Theatre when I say that we cant wait to be back in our space.”
