Young up-and-coming Thespians will be happy to know that the newly renovated Gilroy High School Theater—currently receiving a $500,000 facelift with Measure P funding—will soon be open. The renovations themselves were “long overdue,” GHS Principal Marco Sanchez said, and he’s pleased with how the theater is shaping up.
“We installed a state-of-the-art sound system with wireless speakers and hanging stage microphones, remote-controlled stage lighting, projector and screen, upholstered seats, carpet flooring, contemporary lighting and display panels, an Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant elevator and wheelchair ramps, great outdoor lighting, beautiful landscaping, newly painted walls and a remodeled lobby. It was a long time to wait, but well worth it.”
The sound and lighting booth displays new electronic equipment for theater productions. To prepare for future productions, Sanchez said three staff members are currently being trained to operate the theater.
“The theater serves multiple purposes,” Sanchez said, adding that members of the public are able to rent it as a meeting space.
Former theater director Ethan Stocks said during his eight years working at GHS, theater productions gained in popularity among the community but he knew the theater needed upgrades.
“It was clear from the start that we needed to improve the theater in order to continue to grow the theater program,” he said.
Gilroy High’s theater was built in the late-1970s, and over the years minimal upgrades including structural and aesthetic improvements were made, but no improvements went into place to improve theatrical productions. Stocks said the No. 1 item on his list was the lighting system.
“We needed to move into the digital age with digital control of the lighting system, which is very specialized and expensive,” he said.
Prior to leaving GHS, Stocks said he met with new theater director David Koppel, and he’s confident in Koppel’s abilities.
“Theater directors are hard to find,” Stocks said. “I was impressed with his credentials, his enthusiasm and desire to continue to grow the program. It is in good hands.”
“Dr. Sanchez has really supported the theater program from the beginning,” he continued.
Sanchez said he’s excited about the new theater and the direction the program is headed.
“Koppel is also head of the Drama Department at GHS and brings with him lots of experience,” he said.
Gilroy High’s theater program isn’t just for Mustangs. According to Sanchez, it’s a community activity that draws student actors from other schools, including Christopher High School, the Dr. TJ Owens Gilroy Early College Academy and nearby middle schools.
The program depends heavily on the GHS choirs and band, and the school’s wood workshop program participants play a hand in creating stage settings and parents chip in to build the stages and create costumes.
There are two productions a year—fall and spring—with announcements sent to different schools announcing dates and times for auditions. Past productions include “Arsenic and Lace” in the fall and “Oklahoma” last spring.
“Feedback on the plays have been positive,” Sanchez added. But because the renovations are expected to continue through November, a fall play this year is not planned.
Plans for a grand opening for the theater have not gelled just yet, but optimistically it could be in November or December, Sanchez said.
In 2008, California voters approved Measure P to support capital improvement projects across the Golden State’s public schools, and through the workings of the Gilroy Unified School District Facilities Committee and Sanchez, $14 million was designated for GHS improvements. Approximately $500,000 was used for the theater renovation project, according to public records.
GUSD documents break down how the Measure P funding was spent, and $240,000 was used for upgrading the theater lighting and $150,000 helped renovate the stage floor. An additional $36,000 was used to add box windows and $180,000 went towards acoustic upgrades, GUSD documents show. The architect and contractor for the renovation is Gilroy-based Kent Construction.
Looking ahead, Sanchez is confident and hopeful the theater program will continue to grow in popularity—both amongst students and the entire community.
“The program shall continue and we shall continue to collaborate with surrounding schools,” he added.
