4 Common Mistakes Schools Make When Planning a Theatre Renovation

Introduction

Renovating a school theatre can be one of the most exciting — and intimidating — projects a district or administrator takes on. A well-designed space enhances student learning, builds community pride, and supports everything from musicals to assemblies. But without careful planning, schools often fall into avoidable traps that waste money and result in spaces that don’t serve students or educators as well as they could.

After decades of working with schools and arts organizations, we’ve seen the same mistakes happen again and again. Here are the five most common mistakes schools make when planning a theatre renovation — and how you can avoid them.

1. Forgetting Flexible Spaces
Many schools design their theatre around a single use — the annual musical. In reality, your theatre hosts assemblies, lectures, band concerts, community rentals, and more.
Avoid it: Design for flexibility. Consider retractable seating, adjustable lighting zones, and multipurpose backstage areas so the space works for all events.

2. Ignoring Backstage Needs
A beautiful audience chamber means little if students are crammed into tiny dressing rooms or can’t move scenery safely. Backstage areas are often neglected in budgets, but they’re essential for safety and performance flow.
Avoid it: Plan adequate dressing rooms, storage, and scene shop access. Think about how students, teachers, and volunteers will actually use the space.

3. Skipping Stakeholder Input
Too many school theatre projects move forward with only a facilities manager or administrator’s perspective. The people who use the space daily, like drama teachers, music directors, or students are often left out.
Avoid it: Create a simple stakeholder engagement plan. A few focused meetings with educators and students will save costly redesigns and ensure the space serves its purpose.

4. Underestimating Costs
Renovations almost always cost more than schools expect. Administrators may only budget for “visible” items (new seats, paint, curtains), forgetting infrastructure like lighting systems, rigging safety, ADA upgrades, or HVAC impacts.
Avoid it: Develop a clear, realistic budget with professional guidance. Build in contingency funds for unexpected needs, because we all know they will come up.

Conclusion: Planning for Success
A school theatre renovation is an investment that can pay off for decades if it’s done right. By focusing on acoustics, flexibility, backstage support, stakeholder engagement, and realistic budgeting, you’ll set your project up for success.

Renovations shouldn’t be about flashy upgrades alone. They should be about creating a safe, inspiring, and functional space that supports student learning and community use for years to come.