The stage is set for transformation! Starting this summer, the iconic theater/auditorium at Parkview Arts/Science Magnet High School—home to generations of rising stars—is getting a long-awaited, full-scale renovation.
Construction began this week - the start of summer break - with substantial completion expected by December 31, 2025. The $6.8 million renovation, funded through the District’s Capital Improvement Program, will breathe new life into the space where countless students have discovered their voices, told their stories, and launched their artistic journeys.
The project is a collaborative effort between Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects and Kinco Construction, working closely with the Little Rock School District to ensure Parkview’s theater reflects the excellence and creativity it inspires. The auditorium is receiving a complete interior renovation and multiple exterior improvements. Many functional improvements will improve production quality and capability. These include, among other enhancements:
A new theatrical rigging system
New stage curtains
New state-of-the-art audio-visual system
New sound system
New theatrical and house lighting systems
Both the house and the lobby will receive a full makeover, featuring updated finishes, new lighting, and much-needed accessibility provisions. The new exterior entry design boldly utilizes color and lighting to create a statement piece in the community for the Little Rock School District's flagship drama program.
As LRSD’s premier performing arts high school, Parkview has a proud legacy, counting among its alumni Broadway playwright and actor Steve Broadnax, who now serves as Artistic Director at The Rep. This renovation promises to preserve that legacy while creating new opportunities for future performers, artists, and storytellers to shine under the spotlight.
Stay tuned as the curtain rises on the next exciting chapter for Parkview Arts/Science Magnet High School!