Theater Design

Insights

Listening to the District’s Needs

As Architect of Record for Community High School District 218, JP Architects is a long-term partner in the District’s Capital Improvement Plan, helping bring transformational upgrades to aging facilities. When it came time to modernize the theaters at Eisenhower and Shepard High Schools, the District knew what they needed:

State-of-the-art performance spaces that reflect the talents of their students, delivered within a realistic budget.

We worked collaboratively with CHSD 218 and our partners to unlock the potential of their existing spaces, an approach that delivered powerful results with their financial expectations in mind.

Transforming What You Have

Great theater design doesn’t always start from scratch. Through careful evaluation, we determined that the existing auditoriums could be reimagined to meet today’s standards and tomorrow’s ambitions. By adding balconies, we significantly increased seating capacity. New elevators and stairwells provide universal access, while circulation upgrades create more welcoming, functional environments. Smart, quality finishes aligned with school branding to elevate the space and enhance the user experience.

This work demonstrates how thoughtful, adaptive reuse can extend the life and performance of school facilities, without the cost of new construction.

Modern Performance, Inside and Out

To bring this project into reality, we partnered with designers and specialty consultants in theater design, low-voltage systems, and acoustics to bring a truly modern experience to these spaces. Each renovation includes:

• Back-of-house amenities like dressing rooms, a scene shop, and an orchestra pit
• New lighting, sound, and A/V infrastructure
• Acoustic improvements for performers and audiences
• ADA-compliant upgrades to ensure full accessibility

These enhancements support curriculum, community use, and student opportunity.

A Model for Other Districts

CHSD 218’s decision to renovate instead of new construction is a model for other school districts facing similar challenges. With smart design, trusted partnerships, and a deep understanding of facility planning, schools can achieve transformational results, while staying on budget.

Looking Ahead

As these theaters near completion, they stand as a testament to what’s possible when architecture aligns with vision.

We’re proud to be part of this chapter for CHSD 218 and excited to help other districts write theirs.

Until Next Time,

Jose R. Pareja

President | JP Architects, Ltd.

JP Architects, Ltd. is a full-service architecture firm specializing in K-12 Design, Higher Education, Governmental Design, commercial architecture and residential design. We have a young and vibrant team led by leadership who is progressive in their management style. We serve Chicagoland and North & Central Illinois and are licensed in multiple States. We bring sound principles of design, creativity, innovation, resourcefulness, reliability, quality, and functional architecture and interior design to each project. At JP Architects, Ltd. we REALIZE. the Possibilities, DESIGN. Your Reality. & INFLUENCE. Your Life and Community.