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Feasibility study recommends new multipurpose theater at Carpinteria High School; costs range by size
Summary
Architects presented options for a new high‑school theater with capacities from 120 to 156 seats and estimated costs from about $7 million to $12 million depending on scope. Board and school leaders praised the flexible 'flat‑floor' retractable‑seat design as a practical near‑term solution.
CARPINTERIA, Calif. — A feasibility study presented to the Carpinteria Unified School District Board of Trustees on Sept. 9 outlined several design options for a new theater at Carpinteria High School, recommending a flexible, flat‑floor space with retractable seating that would serve theater, music and community uses.
Architect Joe Wilcox, working with theater consultant Rose Steele and cost estimator Cobas, presented three primary models: a compact black‑box style at roughly 4,200 square feet, a mid‑size 6,000‑square‑foot design with full support spaces and a larger 7,500‑square‑foot option with fixed sloped seating. Wilcox said estimated project costs ranged roughly from $7 million for smaller options to as much as $12 million for the largest design.
"We started by exploring whether seats could fit in the dining area," Wilcox said, noting that existing cafeteria configurations and site constraints make conversions impractical and that an addition south of the cafeteria emerged as the most workable option. He described retractable seating as a practical approach to preserve a flexible performance and instructional space.
Why it matters: The district currently lacks a dedicated performing‑arts facility; the proposed designs would provide dressing rooms, prop storage, sound and lighting controls and a lobby with restroom access. A flexible flat‑floor with retractable seating allows classroom and meeting use when no public performance is scheduled, broadening the space's utility.
Board and principal reaction Principal Gerardo Cornejo and the district's performing‑arts teacher endorsed the retractable‑seating, flat‑floor approach as the most practical near‑term solution that meets instructional, performance and community needs. Cornejo said the building would provide a long‑sought home for theater arts and performing arts at the high school.
Next steps and considerations Architects flagged site constraints, glass‑fronted existing buildings and the need for accessible circulation and mechanical systems. Cost estimates did not include long‑term operating costs such as HVAC, maintenance and theatrical equipment replacement; the design team noted those would be factored into future budget planning. No construction decision or funding plan was adopted at the Sept. 9 meeting; board members asked staff to continue exploring funding sources and prioritization within Measure U and other capital plans.
