The Hockaday School – Center for the Arts

The new Visual and Performing Arts facility anchors the northwest corner of the campus and signals a renewed commitment to the arts. The 85,000 square foot program includes new rehearsal space for orchestra and chorus, a 200-seat black box theater, scene shop, expanded and enhanced studios for painting and ceramics, an art gallery, and rooms for individual music instruction and practice, along with associated support, office, and storage space. The program elements wrap around a 650-seat proscenium theater with a 70-foot fly space, utilizing the theater lobby as a gallery and multipurpose gathering space during regular school hours. New outdoor spaces include an amphitheater, areas for art display, and a workspace for ceramics and large sculpture.

The design of the Center for the Arts addresses the importance of fostering creativity and artistic expression within the Hockaday community. The variety of specialized spaces, from rehearsal rooms to studios and performance venues, supports a comprehensive arts education. The inclusion of outdoor areas for art display and large sculpture workspaces encourages students to engage with their environment, blending artistic endeavors with natural surroundings. The facility’s layout, with its flexible gathering spaces and integration of multiple art forms, creates a dynamic environment that nurtures both individual talent and collaborative projects.