In this year of stalled projects and dreams deferred, the opening of Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences is a cheering reminder of what this industry is all about. Having opened in January, it is only now beginning to hit its stride with a broad range of offerings that includes programs of music by Beethoven and Gustav Holst, the comic Brian Regan, Broadway’s Kristin Chenoweth, and touring musicals, including Jersey Boys, An Officer and a Gentleman, and—of course—Buddy: The Buddy Holly Musical.

Designed by Diamond Schmitt in association with Parkhill and MWM Architects of Lubbock, developed by Garfield Public/Private LLC in partnership with Lubbock Entertainment/Performing Arts Association (LEPAA), and built by Lee Lewis Construction, Buddy Holly Hall is now in operation and will formally celebrate its opening this summer. The hall includes two theatres, a ballet school, multipurpose rooms, a bistro, and bars. It is West Texas’ largest dedicated performance venue, bringing the city’s vibrant performing arts community—including the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Lubbock, and Lubbock Independent School District, along with a variety of professional touring productions—under one roof.

The previously mentioned multipurpose room includes Ballet Lubbock’s pre-professional academy. It is a 20,000-sq.-foot dance center, with offices and storage space. Schuler Shook and Jaffe Holden designed the performance infrastructure for the ballet school, including a large studio for informal presentations. Harlequin supplied the school with Harlequin Liberty panels and Harlequin Studio B Marley through Z Floor Company.

Lighting&Sound America April 2021 Issue
Written By: David Barbour