Ensworth School Theatre

Nashville, Tennessee
52,000 square feet new
Construction cost: $14 million
Completed Spring 2009

When Ensworth School, a preparatory school in Nashville, developed their strategy for adding a middle school and high school, their vision was simple, yet bold. They wanted to prepare students to compete — not just regionally or even nationally — but in the world. Their master plan for the new campus, developed in 2002, was equally bold. They wanted the middle school to be completed by the summer of 2003 and the high school by the following year. Facilities needed to be state-of-the-art to recruit the best faculty and staff from across the country, to attract a diverse student base, and to create an exceptional educational experience. JJCA was selected as Owner's Representative to oversee the initial $60 million project, as well as the architect for additional projects including a theatre that would complete the campus.

• Encore

  Following successful completion of the middle and high schools, development of a new theatre took center stage. The space, completed in 2009, not only accommodates a variety of school performances, learning, and assembly needs, but also provides a locale for community music, dance, and dramatic productions. Though specifications for the two uses were often very different, a harmonious balance was achieved to meet everyone's needs.

• A Commanding Performance

  The new 678-seat theatre boasts state-of-the-art acoustics, performance lighting systems, rigging equipment, and audio/visual systems. A spacious entry space doubles as a lobby and gallery. Supporting spaces, including a full fly tower, lighting catwalks, dressing rooms, scene shop, and a green room, complete the comprehensive plan. The brick, copper, and metal panel exterior ties the theatre seamlessly into the fine arts building and overall campus.

We're excited that sitting today in the spaces we created on the Ensworth campus are some of the great scientists, physicians, artists, educators and leaders of tomorrow.