Buffalo High School Performing Arts Center
Buffalo, MN | Education
Overview
Arts and culture are highly valued in the Buffalo community. To support a range of needs within Buffalo High School and outside community organizations, The Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools (BHM) District expanded the high school to include a performing arts center that benefits the entire community.
Opportunity
It was important to consider the many uses the Performing Arts Center would fulfill as Buffalo serves as a destination hub for several surrounding communities. The District, community organizations and residents all had a voice in identifying the needs and uses of the shared event space.
Solution
Building on the high value of arts, culture, and education embraced by the Buffalo community, a performing arts center addition was designed with a full orchestra pit and full fly gallery. The 850-capacity auditorium was designed to hold half of the student body plus faculty. There are two sections in the back of the theater that can be partitioned off via a curtain, allowing them to function as separate lecture spaces. In 2015, a black box theatre was added to the space to accommodate rehearsals, set construction and storage, and intimate performances. The Buffalo Performing Arts Center provides performers and audiences a professional level experience through appropriate layout and acoustics, and modern amenities.