Collegium Charter School (CCS) recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its long-awaited Performing Arts Center (PAC). The event was hosted by Collegium's CEO, Marita K. Barber, and the school's board of trustees on the future site of the PAC's stage.
More than 100 current and former CCS families, students, employees, administrators, and board members attended the event. Attendees also included local dignitaries, as well as vendors that helped design and will construct the new venue. CCS students greeted guests and gave choral, band, and orchestral performances. They also led the national anthem and Pledge of Allegiance.
In her opening remarks, Barber reflected on the meaning of "groundbreaking." Sara Stell, music and managing director of Collegium Center Stage Theatre, and Christopher McHenry, treasurer of the board of trustees, also addressed guests.
Collegium's PAC will include many features that past performance venues did not, including more than 600 permanent, padded seats; a dedicated stage; multiple sets of curtains; an orchestra pit; and separate performer dressing rooms with restrooms. There will also be state-of-the-art technology, including a full fly system and other theatrical devices for scenery and special effects options; sound and lighting systems; and more.
The venue will be built adjacent to the high school building, which is located in Exton.
Established in 1999, CCS is a tuition-free, independent public charter school offering families a choice for their children's elementary and secondary education. More than 3,100 students in kindergarten through grade 12 currently attend. CCS employs more than 550 faculty and staff members. Enrollment is open to any student who resides in Pennsylvania. Most Collegium families reside in Chester County's West Chester, Downingtown, and Coatesville Area school districts.
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