New Black Box Theatres Offer ‘Transformative Experiences’ for Audiences
Late this spring, the new black box theatre at Hebron High School will officially open for usage. The space serves as a classroom as well as a rehearsal and performance area - and has been years in the making for the Hebron Hawks.
As a part of the bond Lewisville ISD passed in 2017, both Hebron High School and The Colony High School received funding to construct black box theatres. Construction at The Colony was completed earlier this year and the TCHS Theatre Arts department held their inaugural show, "Little Shop of Horrors", in their new Black Box theatre this September.
TCHS students perform "Little Shop of Horrors" in their new theatre.
“Since this was a new concept for us, we had no idea how…our audiences would react to the smaller, intimate space,” said TCHS Head Director Dwayne Craig. “We added additional shows to accommodate the interest in the show and the space. All of the performances were sold out, and everyone who saw the show raved about how amazing it was to be up close and personal with the actors.”
The black box space is a blank slate for performances, consisting of black walls and ceiling surfaces surrounded by black curtains. The theatre is outfitted with professional stage lighting and sound components alongside risers for flexible audience arrangements. Seating can be arranged as a thrust stage (with the audience on 3 sides), an arena stage (audience on 4 sides) or a proscenium stage (audience on 1 side).
The black box theatre is currently under construction at Hebron High School, slated to open later this spring.
“Black box theatres provide an intimate and engaging setting for audiences and performers alike,” said Amanda Drinkwater, LISD’s Director of Fine Arts. “The simplicity of the space draws focus toward the actors, and the proximity of the audience allows for more nuanced and interactive performances. While the campus auditoriums are shared, multipurpose spaces, the blank canvas of a black box enables a more transformative experience for audiences.”
When not being used for performances, Hebron’s new black box addition will serve as a classroom for a number of theatre courses on campus. The current construction project also included a renovation of Hebron’s set and prop design shop that will better meet program and student needs.
Hebron's newly renovated prop and set design shop.
The theatre departments at both high schools are grateful for the addition of these spaces, made possible through the 2017 bond. Want to see these talented students in action? Visit the Hebron Theatre Arts and Theatre at The Colony booster organization websites for their 2022-23 performance schedule.
From the beginning, Lewisville Independent School District has committed to ensuring all students—your children—have the resources they need and want to ultimately thrive in a future they create. Follow Lewisville ISD on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see more student experiences throughout the school year or visit Best Schools in Texas for more information about joining the LISD family.