Lights go up on high school’s renovated auditorium

The stage was set as the latest ribbon cutting in the Shawano School District was a bit more theatrical.

District officials gathered Oct. 21 to show off one of the last completed pieces of the $51.2 million referendum from 2024, the auditorium at Shawano Community High School.

“Today’s a celebration of vision, hard work, partnership and community,” said Kurt Krizan, superintendent. “We are proud to showcase the improvements to Shawano Community High School, and more importantly, celebrate the opportunities that these spaces will provide students for years to come.”

Vox Aeterna, one of the high school’s choirs, started things off with singing “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Once the ribbon was cut, visitors got to enjoy a number of musical pieces performed by the SCHS symphony orchestra.

Improvements to the auditorium include new auditorium seats, theatrical and house lighting, audio and visual system, control booth, scene shop and storage, and a permanent orchestra pit. Previously, whenever SCHS hosted musicals, front-area seating would have to be removed to set up a place for those providing the background music.

The transformation of the auditorium also included new rigging and acoustic shells and treatments. The auditorium has 708 seats, down from the 725 it previously had, to provide more space for people in wheelchairs and make the facility more compliant under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“An auditorium holds a special place in a school,” Krizan said. “It’s where students step on the stage for the first time, where musicians share their talents, where performers discover confidence, and where our school community gathers to celebrate achievements and create lasting memories.”

Whether it’s seeking a passion for the arts or learning to overcome fears, Krizan expected the auditorium to serve students well for many years to come. The space will also foster teamwork and give students a sense of accomplishment, he said.

“Those experiences are an important part of education to help students build confidence, develop creativity, strengthen relationships and discover what they are capable of achieving,” Krizan said. “These aren’t just improve spaces; they’re new opportunities for our students.”

Krizan expressed appreciation to students and staff for their patience as the project faced some delays, requiring the celebration to be pushed back from Oct. 5.

“Years from now, we may not remember every detail of the renovation, but we’ll remember the performances, standing ovations, the nervous first steps on stage and the moments when students discovered something new about themselves,” Krizan said. “That’s what makes an investment worthwhile.”

Shawano School Board President Christine McKinnies said the project was made possible because of the hard work of the performing arts staff, both past and present. She also acknowledged the Shawano Jazz Foundation and the Shawano Schools Performing Arts Boosters for their work in improving musical and theatrical opportunities in the district.

“All of the events that take place in our newly renovated auditorium would not be possible without the combined efforts of these nonprofits, our performing arts department, our directors and our students, who invest their time and their talents to bring this community incredible performances,” McKinnies said.