Since its original construction in the late 1960s, the auditorium at Conwell-Egan Catholic High School, located at 611 Wistar Road, Fairless Hills, has become a hub for community events. Over the past 50 years, students and residents alike have enjoyed theater productions, guest speakers, liturgies and more.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Danaher Lynch Family Foundation, the well-utilized space is about to undergo a major overhaul and receive various upgrades throughout the end of summer into early fall.
The renovation is set to include the design of new sound paneling to improve acoustics, as well as new stage flooring, curtains and a rigging system. New flooring and wood paneling has already been installed, and the seating is slated to accommodate 800 people and fit ADA guidelines.
Additionally, the electrical systems, including new lighting systems and controls, will be modernized. The project also features a new sound system, and the installation of new general area lighting, stage lighting, aisle lighting and decorative fixtures in order to improve illumination and aesthetics.
During performances, fresh audio-visual and lighting systems, including a state-of-the-art projector, will now be controlled from a custom AV control booth area.
“Over the past several years, Conwell-Egan Catholic High School has been transforming to meet the needs of an increasingly complex and changing world,” said president Tom Lynch. “This updated space allows our growing Fine Arts program to continue to offer the best experience for our students, families, faculty and staff. We are incredibly excited and look forward to add to our rich history and continue to serve the community as a cultural arts center, an academic training ground, and even a public event space.”
At Conwell-Egan, the Fine Arts program includes theater, chorus and band, with opportunities for students to participate in professional music programs, acting workshops, orchestras at the Archdiocesan level and annual musicals.
The completed auditorium will be unveiled on Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 7 p.m. during a special dedication ceremony.
In the meantime, the community is invited to be a part Conwell-Egan’s future by purchasing a nameplate as part of the school’s “Seat Dedication” fundraiser.
Families, alumni, donors and stakeholders have the chance to dedicate a seat in the newly-renovated facility, a visible and lasting way to show their support for the high school. Supporters can dedicate a seat as an individual, couple or family for their children, grandchildren, parents, in memory of a loved one, or with the name of their business or organization.
Cost is $250 per seat, or $3,000 per row of 14 seats. Conwell-Egan will honor all seat requests on a first-come, first-served basis.
Call 215-945-6200 or visit conwell-egan.org to reserve a seat or for more information. Guests interested in attending the dedication ceremony on Nov. 26 can RSVP to Tom Kuchler, director of performing arts, at tkuchler@conwell-egan.org. The event is free and open to the public. ••
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
