Alexandria Area High School Performing Arts Center

For residents of Alexandria, Minnesota, and the surrounding regions, the Alexandria Area High School Performing Arts Center (PAC) stands as a prominent and invaluable point of interest. More than just a school auditorium, this state-of-the-art facility serves as a vibrant cultural hub, bringing a diverse range of live entertainment and community events directly to our local area. It’s a place where artistic talent, both student and professional, can truly shine, enriching the lives of everyone in the community.

Opened as part of the modern Alexandria Area High School, the PAC was designed with the community in mind. It boasts a seating capacity of 1,013, making it a substantial venue capable of hosting everything from large-scale musical productions and theatrical plays to concerts, community gatherings, and educational presentations. While it primarily supports the school's robust arts programs, its doors are also open to outside organizations and events, solidifying its role as a versatile and accessible platform for local arts and culture.

The PAC is a testament to Alexandria’s commitment to providing high-quality performing arts experiences. It offers a comfortable and modern setting for audiences, equipped with the technical capabilities to support a wide array of productions. For locals seeking engaging entertainment or a venue for their own events, the Alexandria Area High School Performing Arts Center is an essential resource that contributes significantly to the cultural fabric of our Minnesota community.

The Alexandria Area High School Performing Arts Center is strategically located at **4300 Pioneer Rd SE, Alexandria, MN 56308, USA**. This address places the facility within the modern campus of the Alexandria Area High School, situated on the southeast side of the city. Pioneer Road SE is a well-maintained thoroughfare, ensuring straightforward access for visitors coming from various parts of Alexandria and the wider Douglas County area.

Given its location as part of a high school campus, the PAC generally offers ample parking, which is a significant convenience for event attendees. Dedicated parking lots are typically available, making it easy to arrive, park, and access the venue, especially compared to more congested urban centers. For locals navigating the area, the school campus is a recognizable landmark, aiding in accessibility. While public transportation options might be limited in a community of this size compared to larger cities, the ease of driving and parking makes it a practical choice for most Minnesota residents.

The Alexandria Area High School Performing Arts Center is a versatile venue offering a range of services and capabilities that support both educational and community-wide events. Its design and features make it suitable for a diverse array of performances and gatherings.

• Live Theatrical Performances: The PAC regularly hosts dramatic productions, musicals, and plays, often featuring student talent from Alexandria Area High School's drama department, as well as performances by community theater groups.

• Concerts and Musical Events: From orchestral performances, such as those by the Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra (which has performed alongside Discovery Middle School's orchestra here), to school band and choir concerts, the venue is equipped to handle a variety of musical genres.

• Dance Recitals and Showcases: Local dance schools and groups utilize the stage to showcase their students' talents, providing a professional setting for their annual recitals and special performances.

• Community Events and Meetings: The facility is available for rental by community organizations, businesses, and private groups. This includes large-scale meetings, presentations, ceremonies, and various public gatherings, making it a flexible asset for the Alexandria area.

• Educational Programs and Assemblies: As part of the high school, it serves as a primary venue for school assemblies, guest speakers, educational workshops, and larger student presentations.

• Technical Support for Productions: The PAC is equipped with modern stage lighting, sound systems, and a counterweight fly system, supporting complex technical requirements for professional-level productions. This includes a robust electrics system, dimmers, and DMX tie-ins.

• Dressing Room Facilities: The venue includes dedicated dressing rooms (including a large common "Green Room") with amenities such as make-up stations, mirrors, and restrooms, providing comfortable spaces for performers.

• Loading Dock Access: A ground-level loading dock with a large overhead door facilitates easy loading and unloading of sets, equipment, and props, essential for larger productions.

The Alexandria Area High School Performing Arts Center (PAC) is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make it a premier venue in the region:

• Modern, Spacious Auditorium: The PAC boasts a substantial seating capacity of 1,013, including handicapped accessible seating. This makes it one of the largest and most accommodating performance venues in the Alexandria area, capable of hosting significant audiences.

• Professional-Grade Technical Capabilities: The stage is equipped with a 28-line set single purchase counterweight system, extensive theatrical lighting (210 controlled circuits), and advanced sound equipment. This allows for complex and high-quality productions, providing a professional experience for both performers and audiences.

• Versatile Stage Design: With a proscenium opening of 57' 6” W x 20' 6” H, ample wing space, and a flexible orchestra pit that can be adjusted to house floor height or removed entirely, the stage can adapt to a wide range of performance needs, from intimate plays to large-scale musicals.

• Comprehensive Backstage Facilities: The inclusion of a large "Green Room" (40ft x 30ft), unisex changing rooms with showers, lighted make-up stations, and direct access to a ground-level loading dock significantly enhances its functionality for performers and production crews.

• Community-Focused Design: The PAC is integrated into the Alexandria Area High School, which was designed with a "Community Commons" as its heart, indicating an intentional focus on serving not just students but also the broader community for various events and gatherings.

• Accessibility Commitment: As part of the Alexandria Area High School, the venue is committed to accessibility, with handicapped accessible seating and an accessibility statement on the school's website addressing web content and physical access, including a direct contact for accessibility concerns.

• Host for Diverse Events: From high school musicals and plays to professional symphony orchestra concerts (like the Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra), the venue regularly hosts a wide array of cultural and community events, providing rich entertainment options for locals.

For local residents and organizations in Alexandria, Minnesota, interested in attending an event or inquiring about facility rentals at the Alexandria Area High School Performing Arts Center, the following contact information is available:

Address: 4300 Pioneer Rd SE, Alexandria, MN 56308, USA

Phone: (320) 762-2142 (General School Line)

Mobile Phone: +1 320-762-2142

For facility rental inquiries specifically, Alexandria Public Schools Community Education welcomes the public to use their facilities and provides a Facilities Coordinator contact at (320) 762-3310, ext. 4279. It is always recommended to check the official Alexandria Public Schools website or local event listings for the most up-to-date performance schedules and detailed rental procedures.

For locals in Alexandria, Minnesota, the Alexandria Area High School Performing Arts Center (PAC) stands as a vital and modern community asset. Its suitability for residents stems from its multifaceted role as both an educational facility and a significant regional event venue. For families, it offers invaluable opportunities to witness student talent flourish in high-quality productions, fostering an appreciation for the arts from a young age right within their hometown.

Beyond school-led events, the PAC's professional technical capabilities and substantial seating capacity make it an ideal setting for a diverse range of public performances, from local symphonies and dance recitals to touring acts and community-wide gatherings. This accessibility to high-caliber live entertainment, often seen only in larger cities, is a distinct advantage for Alexandria residents, enhancing the local cultural landscape without requiring extensive travel.

Furthermore, the availability of the PAC for community rentals provides local organizations and private groups with a well-equipped and spacious venue for their own events. This flexibility underscores its commitment to serving the broader community. In essence, the Alexandria Area High School Performing Arts Center is more than just a building; it's a dynamic hub that enriches the cultural life and provides numerous opportunities for entertainment and engagement for all who call this part of Minnesota home.

Alexandria Area High School Performing Arts Center

4300 Pioneer Rd SE, Alexandria, MN 56308, USA