Renovations for a Sarasota high school theater have begun

A Sarasota County high school theater is getting an upgrade. 

The renovation and expansion project for the Booker High School Visual Performing Arts Center has officially begun. The project includes an expansion of the public lobby, enhancements to the theater space and adding space to include a new black box theater, green room, costume shop and classrooms. 

With the renovations, the public lobby will become a gathering area before an event as well as an event space and gallery to showcase student’s artwork, according to a statement. The renovations will also include a new balcony, tiered orchestra level and enhancements that will improve the experience for the audience in the theater.

Construction is expected to be done by the end of this year. 

"The theater at Booker High School is rich in history,” says Ken Dean, Sarasota-based partner and leader of architecture firm SchenkelShultz, in a release, “and is one of the premier art and cultural 'gems' of the Sarasota community."