Irvine High School recently unveiled its new performing arts center, a modern venue designed to ignite creativity and inspire the next generation of performers. The 25,000-square-foot facility features a 650-seat main theater equipped with professional-grade sound, lighting and rigging systems, offering an immersive experience for student performances. Additional amenities that include a black box theater, scene shop and dressing rooms ensure the center can accommodate a variety of productions and community events.
“We have envisioned this facility for years, and it’s truly exciting to see it come to life,” says Kelvin Okino, executive director of facilities and construction at the Irvine Unified School District.
Construction of the $35 million center began in January 2023 and was funded by Measure E, approved by Irvine voters in June 2016. A grand-opening celebration in February coincided with Irvine High’s 50th anniversary and featured performances by students, along with a preview of the spring musical, “Mary Poppins.”
Irvine High’s new performing arts center is the latest addition to a growing list of world-class arts venues in Irvine aimed at fostering student artistic development and achievement.
In 2021, Woodbridge High unveiled a 36,000-square-foot Performing Arts Complex. The two-level facility includes a 650-seat theater, orchestra pit, scene shop, dressing rooms, black box theater, broadcast studio and classrooms. The $23 million project was also funded by Measure E.
Last year, Irvine Valley College officials unveiled the Arts Village, a 62,500-square-foot facility that brings the School of the Arts into one massive complex. The Arts Village features classrooms with cutting-edge instructional technology, fine and visual arts spaces, an exhibition gallery and a music and dance facility that spans nearly a block. The $61 million project was funded by the South Orange County Community College District and the state of California.
