Retrofitting School Theatres: Upgrade or Start Again?

Date: Wednesday 10th December

Time: 09:30am – 10:10am

Online via Microsoft Teams

About this webinar

Many schools want to convert an existing space into a theatre or upgrade an outdated drama hall, but retrofitting comes with hidden challenges—from poor acoustics to insufficient infrastructure.

This session will explore when retrofitting makes sense—and when it’s better to start again. Using real-life case studies, we’ll compare the costs, risks, and long-term outcomes of upgrading vs. rebuilding. Attendees will gain a practical framework to assess which option is right for their school—and how to maximise budgets, ensure compliance, and create a theatre that truly works.

This talk is essential for academy leaders, estate managers, and architects looking to transform school performance spaces without making expensive mistakes.

What you'll learn

  • The pros and cons of retrofitting vs. new-build school theatres.
  • How to assess an existing space for theatre conversion potential.
  • The hidden challenges of retrofitting
  • How to maximise budget and avoid costly mistakes.
  • Real-world examples of successful and failed theatre retrofits.

Can't make the date?

If you can’t make the live session, don’t worry — we’ll send you the recording afterwards.
But if you can join us live, it’s always worth it — you’ll be able to ask questions and get answers in real time.

Ready to join us?

Just fill in your details below to secure your place.
We’ll send you a quick email so you can confirm on Microsoft Teams and get everything you need to join us live.