We have a couple of local school districts that opened new 750-seat theatres, and they both
call them performing arts centers (both
proscenium stages). One district is laid out in such a way that the
PAC joined the middle and high school. The new building itself has the theater, but also dressing rooms, and classrooms for band, choir, visual arts. But, there is just one actual performance
venue. My guess is they
call it a
PAC because of the extra classroom space in there. Thoughts?
My school calls our performance
venue the
auditorium, but I don't see how there is much of a difference between our school and the aforementioned district, as our choir and band classrooms are adjacent to the
auditorium as well.
The other
PAC I have never been to, so I am not sure of the
layout or if the
PAC is just the theater, or if there was extra spaces built. No other performance venues, though.
My personal thought is the two school districts called them PACs because "
auditorium" sounds so 50s, and "Performing Arts Center" sounds more regal and up to date.
So, in case you haven't figured it out, I am looking for a rationalization/justification to
call our
auditorium a performing arts center.
Does this whole discussion seem somewhat akin to library/media center?