Ovey Comeaux High School – Performing Arts Academy

Adam Beazley, as the Architect of Record and principal at Architects Beazley Moliere, collaborated with Eskew Dumez Ripple to design the impressive Performing Arts building at Ovey Comeaux High School. This visionary project aimed to house the newly relocated Performing Arts Academy, a prestigious Magnet Academy under the Lafayette Parish School System, focused on diverse performing arts disciplines, including dance, piano, drama, and guitar.

The new Performing Arts Academy facility, spanning 21,000 square feet, seamlessly connects to the existing school building through a stunning glass bridge connector, gracefully overcoming elevation differences between the two structures. Within the building, a variety of standard classrooms such as music media, piano, and guitar were thoughtfully designed, along with specialized performance classrooms, including a strings area boasting two separate practice rooms. Furthermore, a state-of-the-art dance studio featuring a sprung floor and a fully functional black box theater complete with dressing rooms, a prop room, sound booth, and a catwalk were thoughtfully incorporated.

The versatility of the black box theater is impressive, with tiered movable seating, a short throw projector, and a comprehensive audio and lighting setup, enabling seamless theatrical productions for audiences of over 150 observers.

Through effective collaboration and efficient execution by the Lemoine Company, this remarkable project was brought to life in just over 9 months, with a total cost of just over $6.4 million. The Performing Arts building now stands as a testament to innovative design and dedication, providing an inspiring space for students to nurture their talents and passions in the performing arts.