Lafayette High School

Project Overview

Paragon 360 has worked with Rockwood School District, the largest school district in St. Louis, since 1996 on the construction of three cafeteria/multi-purpose performance spaces and four 500 seat theaters with multiple architects. In all cases, Paragon 360 provided audio, video, lighting and rigging design services in addition to general theatrical planning and design. In the mid to late 2000’s, these spaces were some of the most advanced high school theaters in the region.

The district's renovated Lafayette High School Theater opened in 2008. The original theater built in 1986 was stripped down to the outer four walls and roof and was then completely rebuilt. The old, late 80’s space was the only Rockwood School District Theater that did not have adequate stage space and did not include any fly capability over the stage area at all. In addition to the lack of fly space, the catwalks were not placed in positions that allowed for the proper lighting of the stage. The audio and lighting systems were very inadequate for their time and the seating layout was very inefficient. In order to give the Lafayette students the same theatrical capabilities as the other three Rockwood High Schools, this theater would be fully renovated with the help of Paragon 360.

All New Theatrical Space

The new 700 seat theater featured all new AVL systems. Lighting systems included new ETC dimming, circuit and data distribution, control systems, two separate house-light systems, architectural control stations and a theatrical lighting fixture package. In addition the stage featured six motorized side lighting ladders. The audio system was completely replaced using a new JBL line array system with all new processing and front of house control in addition to monitor capabilities backstage. Capabilities were also designed for future video projection and connections for playback devices backstage, center stage and at front of house.

The new stage space featured (26) motorized line-shaft systems that allow for safe control of the rigging system from the backstage area. Included in the line-set system are four stage electrics in addition to adjustable masking, traveler tracks, a cyclorama curtain, scrims, a video projection screen and multiple spare scenic battens. The space also featured two new front of house catwalks and spotlight positions. All new seating was provided throughout the space.