La Joya Performing Arts Center
La Joya, Texas
Seat Count: 1,500 seats
Project Type: New Construction
Opening: February 1998
Construction Cost: $9 Million
Client: La Joya ISD
Architect: Kell, Munoz Architects
AD Scope: Acoustics, Sound Isolation,
Noise Control, A/V Systems
The La Joya Performing Arts center is located in the Rio Grande Valley just north of the Mexican border. The project was commissioned by the La Joya ISD to support their strong music program and UIL theatrical productions. One of the most significant programs for the performing arts center is folklorico dancing.
Folklorico dance is one of the most basic artistic expressions of the Hispanic culture. The costumes are elaborate and the accompaniment is as culturally significant as the dance. The community becomes involved in the productions, and the costume shop is oversized to accommodate the large number of volunteers who come to assist with the ornate costumes.
The audio system is powerful enough to support the music for folklorico and other dance programs. The loudspeaker system is a left/center/right system which gives capability for stereo imaging. The control booth which is located on the floor level was designed to accommodate the operator and students. Both the systems and layout were designed both for support of the music program and for ease of use by students.
The folklorico dance program is best accommodated in a proscenium theatre, which is in direct conflict with the needs of the school's music program. AD provided the design for the large forestage extension so that the performers share the same acoustical space as the audience.
To further accommodate the disparate needs of the school's music program, folklorico and other theatrical productions, AD also worked with the architect and theatre consultant on the accommodation of retractable velour curtains to cover large areas of the walls surrounding the audience on both seating levels.
