The new ‘Ura Seeger Memorial Auditorium’ at Seeger Jr/Sr High School provides much-needed space for music and theater classes. Furthermore, it has become a new community asset as the largest performing arts venue in the county.  When MSD Warren County Schools set out to develop this new facility, they envisioned three primary objectives: (1) create a 1,500-seat auditorium to host a wide spectrum of student performances, (2) incorporate state of the art lighting and sound controls packed with professional-level functionality, and (3) enable all components to be student-driven, thereby facilitating career pathways and teachable moments.  The end product is both professional-level and incredibly flexible, yet it is also easily managed by student groups.

The design of the exterior façade takes inspiration from the existing adjacent school through the use of color, materials, and strong horizontal lines and rhythms, but also creates a monumental, contemporary focal point as the terminus of the entry drive.

The interior design of the school draws from school colors with slightly ‘muted’ hues to provide a more sophisticated and elegant aesthetic.  The 2-story entry lobby contains ample pre-function space and connects to the existing school.  The interior of the auditorium seating can be divided in half with a divider curtain to create a more intimate space for small performances when necessary.  A ‘hybrid’ orchestra pit with pit cover at the edge of the stage accommodates the wide spectrum of performances, while a W36’xT16’ LED screen suspended from the fly loft at the back of the stage offers crystal clear animation. ‘Back of House’ spaces include dressing rooms, green room, and a scenery shop with storage.   

As the community celebrates the passing of COVID woes they look forward to an upcoming high school graduation within this new venue, along with their first professional musical act.