Whittier Union High School District school board members, from left, Jaime López, Irma Rodríguez Moisa and Russell Castañeda Calleros celebrate the official groundbreaking of the district’s performing arts center during a ceremony Nov. 10. The center is being built on the northwest side of the United Sierra Education Center.
Courtesy photo
Wave Staff Report
WHITTIER — The Whittier Union High School District is one step closer to bringing its much-anticipated performing arts center to life, celebrating the beginning of construction of its vibrant, 450-seat, state-of-the-art theater with a community groundbreaking on Nov. 10. Construction is set to begin shortly, with a completion date of fall 2027.
The center, which is being built to spotlight the district’s visual and performing arts students and programs, was designed by LPA Design Studios. The firm collaborated closely with a wide range of stakeholders to create a space that will be both visually striking and highly functional.
“We are extremely proud of our many talented performing arts students,” district Director of Business Operations Steven Rodriguez said. “The performing arts center is designed to honor their artistic expression with a venue that will not only provide an enjoyable experience for the community, but also supports all the technical aspects needed to run a theater.”
In planning the design, the district and LPA reached out to students, teachers, cabinet members, community members, maintenance workers, landscapers and others, creating a design plan that incorporates input from each group, including exterior art representing theater, dance, choir and band, and interior corridors that accentuate performances.
“Collaboration can take time, but it leads to better outcomes,” Rodriguez said. “We brought together the right people to provide their input and share their expertise, ensuring a successful process.
“We want the performing arts center to be a testament to this collaborative effort, with as much care to every design detail.”
The design process is best exemplified by the efforts made by the district to include student voices. Dozens of students met with the designers for exercise where they selected keywords that most reflected their preferred vision for the center.
Students also provided input to a series of art-related questions – such as “Why celebrate the arts?” and “What is your favorite memory of the arts?” – by placing Post-it notes on whiteboards with their recommendations and comments. Those comments were used to form word clouds that informed the final design.
At $56 million, the performing arts center is the largest project to be funded through the district’s $183.5 million Measure AA facilities bond, passed by voters in 2020. Set to be built on the northwest side of the United Sierra Education Center, the center will feature a full fly loft and a convertible orchestra pit, individual teaching and workshop spaces, and lobby and outdoor gathering areas.
“Thank you to all the stakeholders who provided crucial input into the design of the performing arts center,” Superintendent Monica Oviedo said. “It will be a place where a student’s dreams of performing will come true, where teachers will inspire, and the community will come together to celebrate the arts.”
