Scarsdale, NY – The on-going renovation of the Scarsdale High School auditorium is nearing completion, addressing long-standing safety, accessibility, and acoustic issues in this performance space. Despite diligent maintenance over the years, many materials from the 1980s renovation – such as carpets, seating, and the stage floor – have reached the end of their useful life. More critically, the space presented several safety hazards, including a single ramp on one side of the stage, or temporary steps that posed a risk of falls. The catwalk system further complicated stage operations, requiring individuals to crawl beneath support framing. Additionally, poor acoustics made it nearly impossible for unamplified speech to be heard beyond the first few rows, significantly reducing the auditorium’s effectiveness for school performances and community events.
With a total budget of $4.75 million, the renovation will completely transform the space to provide a safer, more accessible, and acoustically viable auditorium. Key improvements include new carpets and seating. The deteriorated stage flooring is being replaced, and permanent ramps and stairs are being installed on both sides of the stage for improved accessibility. Structural modifications at the catwalk will allow for safer navigation. To resolve the longstanding acoustic challenges, the renovation includes strategically placed acoustic wall coverings, a redesigned proscenium to enhance sound projection, and side/rear wall curtains that can be adjusted to optimize sound quality for different performance types. Once completed, the Scarsdale High School auditorium will be a modern, functional space that better serves the school and community.
