By: Jillian Wilson
jwilson@cbs4qc.com
A center stage, a place where all can perform. Bettendorf High School unveiled its new auditorium Friday.
The new state of the art theatre is part of a $14 million renovation. It seats more than 800 people.
The school principal says it was time for a change. He says the old auditorium just didn't honor the talent of the kids. So they created a new one and reworked parts of the old.
"This performing arts center belongs to you," Jimmy Casas, Principal at Bettendorf High School, says. "One of the things that really important is we want to be able to have a venue that can showcase the talents of our children."
Today kids got to show off their dance moves and break in the new stage.
Some danced ballroom, others the cha cha slide, and every parent got a chance to record every minute of it.
Casas says it's a great opportunity for the entire school district.
"It's not a facility that belongs to the high school. It belongs to the students, it belongs to the parents, it belongs to the community," Casas says. "We're hoping this will give the opportunity for our families and our community to come in here and have the joy of watching their children perform in a beautiful venue."
The principal also says it gives kids a chance to test out what they're interested in a safe environment. So whether you've interested in sound, production, or talent, you get a shot on a brand new stage.
