Transforming School Auditoriums into Modern Creative Spaces
As highlighted in EdTech Magazine’s article “Theater and Library Upgrades Set the Stage for K–12 Creatives,” students at Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools (MCVTS) are preparing for creative careers with the help of modern audiovisual technology. At the East Brunswick campus in New Jersey, outdated equipment in the school auditorium was hindering the immersive experience necessary for students engaged in dance, film, graphic design, and sound production. Michael Cappiello, principal of the East Brunswick campus, described how the old sound system was inadequate despite having top-tier mixing equipment, making it difficult for students to fully utilize their skills.
The recent comprehensive upgrade of the auditorium’s audiovisual components, completed this year, transformed the space into a functional theater. Acoustical engineers worked with theater and technical arts teachers to design an environment that provides a true surround sound experience, greatly enhancing the educational value of the space. The new system was showcased at the Thomas Edison Black Maria Film Festival, where it received rave reviews for its sound quality and immersive audio experience.
This upgrade has opened new opportunities for MCVTS, including the launch of a music technology and performance program that utilizes the advanced AV equipment. Jeffrey Bicsko, MCVTS’ assistant superintendent, noted that the revamped auditorium now serves as a classroom and a laboratory, aligning educational investments with current and future industry trends that will equip students with valuable, employable skills.
The demand for multimedia skills is growing, and more school districts are incorporating these competencies into their curricula. Cory Wilkerson, Education Manager at the Educational Theatre Association, emphasized that students are arriving with AV and media arts skills, seeking artistic training to complement their technical abilities. As technology in the creative arts continues to rise, initiatives like these set the stage for students to excel in an evolving job market.
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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of edtechmagazine.com
