The auditorium was originally constructed in 1963. Although the space got new seating in 2006, it has not undergone a significant renovation in its lifetime, and was not included in the recent updates to the SHS campus.

SBPS Foundation Director Beth Rohrer said that the space is impressive and thoughtfully designed, but could use a push to match the modern standard of the school’s other facilities.

“It was built really well, and much larger than would be built today,” Rohrer said. “This space is used so much. Every school in the district is in there every year, at least once, as well as the community. It’s an important space.”

Rohrer said the auditorium renovation would include upgrades to the facility’s flooring, paint and finishes, as well as a new ceiling outfitted with state of the art light and sound equipment. Accessibility will also receive an upgrade in the form of new ADA railings and stage stairs, guaranteeing access to the arts for all.

“There will be lighting down the aisles, which has never been there. Usually people have their phones out for light,” Rohrer said. “And double doors. Right now we don’t have double doors, so if someone goes in or out during a performance, the light comes in. It’s very distracting.”

Rohrer commented on the importance of the arts in education, and praised the high quality of arts programming at SHS, as well as how much enthusiasm the Scottsbluff community shows for the performances held in the auditorium.

“Kids learn the value of cooperation and hard work, and they get so much confidence from those things,” Rohrer said. “It’s really a space that brings people together. Our musicals sell out. Our community comes out and supports these kids, and the quality of their productions is phenomenal.”

The importance of those communal experiences was one of the important lessons taken away from the COVID-19 pandemic, Rohrer said. She added that, as that isolating experience comes to an end, the time to invest in performing arts is now.

SBPS Foundation board member and SHS alumnus Becky Jones said that she made countless happy memories in the auditorium. She said she is looking forward to seeing it brought into the modern era for future students.

“Music and theater students have long found friendship and a little musical family in the high school auditorium,” Jones said. “I’m so excited for the remodel and refresh of the sound system, lights and aesthetics so that more and more generations of kids can find community and fun in the auditorium, and build their confidence as students of the arts.”

Rohrer shared that enthusiasm. She put out a call for all lovers and supporters of the arts to learn about the project and provide what support they can.

“I’m very excited about this project, and we’re getting the word out to people who are passionate about the arts,” she said.

Information on the auditorium renovation project will be available during all three showings of “Matilda The Musical” on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, including how families, alumni and patrons of the arts can contribute to its success.

“This will be such an exciting upgrade to our SHS stage,” said vocal music instructor Brad Ronne. “There are so many people who have performed in this facility. Consider joining this project and helping raise funds to carry this space on for the next generation.”

The SBPS Foundation will fundraise throughout the rest of 2024, with work on the facility planned to take place in the summer of 2025. In total, the foundation hopes to raise around $350,000 for the project.

Donations of all sizes can be made at sbpsfoundation.com.

Tickets are still available for all three showings of “Matilda The Musical.” Visit ronne.com to purchase tickets for $13 each.