As part of our ongoing drive to create excellent facilities for our pupils, we are proud to share with you the exciting news that we will be submitting a planning application for a new extension and alterations to the JCS Performing Arts Centre, to create a new home for the Performing Arts at Tormead. 

This project will provide an outstanding base for our musicians and dramatists over the years to come and has been designed in discussion with our specialist teachers. The main aspect of this build will include a significantly enlarged auditorium and theatre space, with additional features, such as a corridor linking the stage wings, a green room and more space for instrument and costume storage.

The proposed extension will include:
• Enlarged auditorium with audience capacity increased from 121 to 261 to allow large scale productions to be accommodated in the dedicated theatre space
• Theatre reconfigured to allow audience access from the first floor, with an alternative ground floor accessible route
• Flat stage floor offering greater flexibility for drama and other school uses
• Backstage area with sufficient space for safe movement of performers, set and props
• Green room located close to backstage area
 • Good size drama store with direct access to auditorium and sufficient space for storage of set, props, costumes and technical equipment
• Box office and bar areas serving the existing foyer to allow students experience of running a professional front of house operation
• New music ensemble room for small group practice and teaching
• Large, easily accessible ground floor store for students’ musical instruments, with bespoke racking to create a safe and secure storage facility
• New department store – releasing existing ensemble room for teaching and rehearsal rather than storage
• New larger practice room
• Two smaller practice rooms combined to create a more practical music teaching space
• The space to deliver the full GCSE and A Level drama curriculum
• A high-quality performance venue for the whole school community

Further information about the proposed development can be found here.

The Development Office is inviting any organisations or individuals who may be interested in supporting this project to get in touch alumnae@tormeadschool.org.uk