LF_120618

12 | December 6, 2018 | The lake forest leader NEWS
LakeForestLeader.com
New performing arts center at LFCDS offers multiple functions
Alyssa Groh, Editor
Rex
The Everett family, Lake Bluff
Despite his maturity, Rex is
high energy and thinks he is
still a puppy! Rex is a 12-yearold
Airedale Terrier. His favorite
things are playing with his many
squeaky toys, goofing around with his 19-yearold
brother when he comes home from college,
chasing rabbits in a big back yard and being
walked around Tangley Oaks in Lake Buff by his
very favorite dog walker/trainer, Andrew! He also
loves visiting his friends and getting beautified
after a sleepover at Pampered Pupz in Libertyville!
Rex has rewarded his human family with cuddles,
love, smiles and patience because after all, it’s his
world, we just “chase him around” in it!
HELP! The Lake Forest Leader is in search of more pets.
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Students, faculty, staff
and community members
have anticipated the opening
of the new performing
arts center at Lake Forest
Country Day School since
it started renovations in
March.
Finally, on Oct. 24, the
completed performing arts
center was revealed to the
school and community
members during a grand
opening event.
The original space was a
gymnasium many decades
ago said Joy Hurd, the head
of school at Lake Forest
Country Day School.
A few decades ago the
space was first renovated
into the performing arts
center, but after a little
wear and tear, it was due
for another face lift.
Prior to the latest renovation,
the space did not
have much natural light
and the chairs were uncomfortable,
Hurd said.
“Now it is a really interesting
space, it is not your
typical auditorium,” Hurd
said.
The newly renovated
performing arts center
contains windows on the
east and west sides of
the space, the stage was
moved from the east wall
to the west wall, a new projection
system and sound
system were installed and
there are 345 new comfortable
chairs, which can be
moved around.
The floor in the performing
arts center is all one
level opposed to a angled
floor like many other auditoriums.
Hurd said this decision
was made to create
a multi-purpose space.
The newly renovated
space will become an area
for a variety of things, not
just theater performances.
The school will also host
Joy Hurd (left), head of school at Lake Forest Country Day School, welcomes guests
at the grand opening of the newly renovated performing arts center Oct. 24 at Lake
Forest Country Day School. Photos Submitted
The Lake Forest Country Day School choir performs at the grand-opening event.
a speaking contest in the
space, choir concerts and
more.
“Every student will benefit
from this new space,”
Hurd said.
But, not only will students
benefit from the
multi-purpose space, the
school will also host lecture
series in the performing
arts center, which will
be open to the public.
“We think of this space
as a place that can be used
for the greater community
as well,” Hurd said.
After seeing the newly
renovated performing arts
center, Hurd said he felt
inspired.
“People are the center of
our school, so the facilities
we build only serve functions
of helping our people
do their best work and be
their best selves,” Hurd
said. “What is now true
is that we have a space in
the performing arts center
that matches the level of
our arts programs and the
aspirations we have for our
students.
“It makes a huge difference
to be in a space that
inspires you to aim high.”