Wanneroo Secondary College
Performing Arts Centre

Infused with delight and drama, the refurbished Performing Arts Centre at Wanneroo Secondary College delivers a flexible 290-seat theatre space, learning areas, staffroom and ancillary functions. Upgrades to the envelope enhance the thermal and acoustic performance of the existing 1970s building, while the new entry canopy creates a defined and legible meeting point for visitors.

The spatial arrangement was carefully considered and drawn up in consultation with the College, ensuring the Performing Arts Centre operates efficiently during performances and productions without compromising its functionality as a learning environment.

Where possible, the character and identity of the existing gymnasium have been retained. For example, much of the parquetry floor remains. The old is juxtaposed against the sleek features of the new cladding, screens and lighting details.

The upgrades to the Performing Arts Centre have enhanced the learning environment and provided a new facility to bring together the College and broader community.

“As a Specialist Performing Arts school, Wanneroo Secondary College supports 1300 young people to excel in music, drama and dance. The addition of the Performing Arts Centre is game changing for our staff and students, ensuring a learning space that encourages elite performance and improvement. In the two weeks since opening, the facility has changed the way we work and educate significantly:

• For the first time, our 150+ staff have engaged, seated in one space for essential professional development, including accessing audio visual presentations with guest presenters.
• Our students have attended assemblies and social events which previously could only be housed in the Sports Centre, interrupting PE lessons.
• The ARTS staff, now share one office space which allows for collegiate planning and support.
• Students have started to develop their technical skills to enhance performances.
• The professional spaces are supporting high level performance and improved behaviour.

We envisage the continued improvement in our program to promote excellence for our students, whilst promoting Wanneroo SC as a lighthouse Performing Arts School in the Northern Suburbs.”

Justine McNaught-Conroy
Principal