October 25, 2019

Sprawling across Culver City High School, The Robert Frost Auditorium has become an icon, recognized by its breathtaking architectural design. It was this design partnered with a modern upgrade that won this renovation project the title of “Award of Merit South” by ENR California for the K12 Education Category.

Beloved by student performers, despite the challenges of performing in an aging facility, the Frost Auditorium had not kept pace with changes in technology and audience expectations. After an extensive analysis with school faculty and theater experts, a plan was proposed to fully utilize the potential of the historic building while honoring its architectural legacy.

Originally designed by Flewelling and Moody in 1964, the organic structure of the building was inspired by the distinctive shape of its land plot. The building’s curving walls gracefully flow into a waterfall of glass, welcoming natural light to flow into the mezzanine, greeting guests as they enter. The highlight of the structure is noted to be the unique roof, mimicking the shape of a leaf that has fallen atop a rock that rests peacefully.

Introducing modern integrations while maintaining the original structure’s design was no easy feat, but the capable partnership of Hodgetts + Fung Architecture and Balfour Beatty made the dream a reality. Matching the flare of the building’s exterior, the project architects ensured state-of-the-art technology and functionality would be enforced to the auditorium, bringing 1960s history to the 21st century. Upon entering the redesigned 1,200-seat theater, your eye is automatically drawn to its focal point ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­– a custom arch stretching across the entirety of the new stage’s length, framing young thespians during performances.

In addition to visual upgrades, the renovation improvements included the installation of a catwalk system to improve stage lighting and performance capabilities, replacement of the mechanical systems, fire sprinkler systems, relocation of the projection room, and new classrooms equipped for make-up, teaching, costuming, and prop storage.  The original seats were refurbished, the ticketing lobby upgraded, and the brick drum’s interior reconfigured with a double-height black-box theater.

Balfour Beatty is proud to be a part of this historic renovation and grateful to the team members that brought this auditorium back to life, able to for generations to come. Congratulations to the project team for winning this award!