Taking Center Stage: Patricia Baldwin Whipple Arts Center Refresh Begins

Berwick Academy is proud to have an active and thriving visual and performing arts program for students. The Arts Center is a wonderful resource for hundreds of students every week. It houses a 290-seat theater, visual art and music studios, and an art gallery in the main lobby. The theater is home to plays and musicals in the Upper and Middle School divisions, dance performances, Upper School assemblies, awards ceremonies, dozens of musical performances throughout the year, and more. 

A central goal of this summer’s work is to make upgrades that impact the many uses that this space offers. The theater sound system is getting a complete overall to make sure all voices are heard and enjoyed in every seat in the theater. A professional sound engineer has developed the proper system for our space, giving new life and excitement to our vibrant performances and speaking series. Other updates include public spaces used by our community daily, as well as guests of the school coming to enjoy Berwick’s events. Our arts studios will also have refreshed amenities for student use throughout the year, providing a more robust environment to let their creative juices flow. Externally, the building will have a fresh new coat of paint to welcome students back this coming fall. 

Future phases of this project include upgrades for more storage and improving safety, accessibility, and the use of both the stage and backstage to better support our performers, crew, and staff. Ultimately, these enhancements will elevate the entire venue to a turn-key level of readiness, ensuring that every school event and theatrical performance can be executed seamlessly and professionally from day one.