Open house for $7 million stage addition at Carl Sandburg Middle School in Mundelein

Carl Sandburg Middle School in Mundelein is hosting a grand opening event for the completion of a $7 million landmark project.

Nearly a year after breaking ground, a stage addition to the school at 855 W. Hawley St., is ready to go.

With room for about 200 seats during a performance, the space is considered a long sought boost for fine arts and provides a facility for students that most middle schools already have, school officials say.

“Theater, music and fine arts are all highly valued here and soon we’ll have a venue benefiting of our programs,” said Corey Tafoya, superintendent of Mundelein Elementary District 75 and Mundelein High School District 120.

“It’s a space our community and our students truly deserve,” he added.

A public open house from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday will be punctuated at 6 p.m. With a ribbon cutting and student musical performance.

The main purpose of the stage is to provide a home for performing art programs, showcasing musical theater, band and choir, explained Moulee Gupta, band and musical director and musical revue producer. Nine years ago, the school begin putting on annual musicals.

“Our productions aren’t just student-led on stage, they are supported by a dedicated student tech crew who master the complexities of sound engineering, stage management and lighting design,” she explained.

Beyond the performance, leadership skills emerge as older students mentor younger ones “fostering a tight-knit performing arts family that transcends grade levels,” she said.

The nearly 6,800-square-foot addition includes a new school entrance with a covered vestibule that will be equipped with new technology to enhance safety and security and provide a place for students to sit before and after school, according to the district.

District officials for years have discussed the need for a stage at Sandburg. Student performances such as concerts are held in a gym or lunchroom without a stage.

The stage will occupy the Sandburg’s south gym space. The room will have a large stage on the east side with room for about 200 seats during a performance.

It will continue to be used for Sandburg’s adaptive physical education program and also will provide dedicated practice room for the performing arts.

The addition will have the acoustic qualities of a performance venue and provide a much-needed dedicated practice room for performing arts, according to Peter Gill, public relations director. It includes a handicapped accessible stage, dressing rooms and storage areas.

Besides serving the needs of performers, the venue will allow students to learn how to control lighting, sounds and other backstage-related activities, he added.

The room also can be rented to local performing arts companies and community events, Gill said.

Sandburg's next musical will be held on the new stage in February. Past performances have been held at the Lincoln Early Learning Center and more recently in the Mundelein High School auditorium.