Pasco State College To Unveil State-Of-Art Performing Arts Center

WESLEY CHAPEL, FL — Pasco-Hernando State College is singing a new tune following the completion of its state-of-the-art, professional-grade performing arts center in Wesley Chapel, a first for Pasco County.

The college is hosting a grand opening and tour of the new Instructional Performing Arts Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at 8657 Old Pasco Road where visitors will have a chance to preview the high-tech music, dance and digital media features of the facility, which will open in May.

"The IPAC is more than arts education," said Melanie Snow Waxler, associate dean of marketing and chief communications officer for the college. "It will also become a center for the community to enjoy the arts, adding to Pasco County's already growing tourism."

In addition to being Pasco County's first fully operational professional performing arts center, IPAC will have a dedicated wing of classrooms and rehearsal space where students can be immersed in the performing arts environment, she said.

"Our theater space will not only be a place for students to perform but will be a space for guest artists to come and present master classes and collaborative performances, allowing our students to perform on stage with our guests or provide technical support perhaps with lighting, sound, stage managing or costuming," Waxler said. "We have a professional video production studio where students will not only learn to operate a camera but can also be in front of one in a live broadcast. The IPAC provides a creative atmosphere for learning necessary artistic and technical skills for a career in the performing arts."

In addition to performances by PHSC students, the IPAC will host concerts by students in Pasco County schools, offer music concerts in a variety of genres, produce stage plays and musicals, host dance events and stage outdoor festivals.

Students can receive an associate in arts degree with pathways in dance, music and theater or an associate of science degree with pathways in digital media/multimedia technology.

"There has been a huge need for this type of facility in Pasco/Hernando counties for a long time, "Waxler said. "Arts and cultural production in 2015 represented 4.3 percent of the U.S. economy, produced $689.7 billion and created 4.7 million jobs. Additionally, the arts drives desired skills such as problem-solving, creativity and critical thinking. The arts create and support the community."

With its modern architectural design, the 36,000-square-foot IPAC is a Green Globes Level 3-certified building.

Green Globes is an online green building rating and certification tool. A level 3 designation his designation indicates excellent progress in achieving eco-efficiency results through current best energy and environmental design practices.

In addition to a dedicated fine arts studios, a video production studio, computer laboratories, classrooms and executive office space, the Weatherford Theater is a 444-seat professional theater featuring state-of-the-art, fully digital sound and lighting systems, counterweighted stage rigging and draping for theatrical design.

The professional backstage areas are equipped with dressings rooms, a green room, costume shop and scene shop.

Three large rehearsal studios encompass more than 800 square feet each dedicated to music, dance and theater.

Additionally, there's a video production studio and lab, three computer laboratories, and a grand atrium lobby with additional computer access, meeting and study space.