Brewster Academy was using a converted church building for choral performances and an old gymnasium for theatrical performances.  SA designed a renovation of the former church to create a new Performing Arts Center that provides a performance space with excellent acoustics and the tools for learning all aspects of performing arts from acting to set design, lighting, and sound.

The 332- seat theater includes a thrust stage with wide wing spaces, wing lofts, catwalks and fly space, a set shop/back stage area with direct access to a loading dock, a large greenroom/rehearsal room, costume shop and dressing rooms. The existing church ceiling was removed to expose a beautiful timber frame structure, providing more acoustical volume and a more dramatic interior space for the audience.

The new 20-foot high light-filled entrance lobby brings everyone into a central circulation and reception space and provides access to the many levels of the building.  Visible from the main campus approach and the street, there are views out to Lake Winnipesaukee.

The renovation and new addition have transformed the formerly dark, crowded, and inwardly looking church/auditorium into an open, joyful performance space on the southeast end of Brewster’s campus.

Client  |  Brewster Academy

Location  |  Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

Photographer  |  Robert Benson Photography

Awards  |  2015 AIA New Hampshire Honor Award