A milestone moment in the construction of the Estancia High School theater occurred last week with the placement of the final structural steel beam.

A group of current and former school and district representatives gathered to sign the final beam before it was hoisted into place.

The project has shown remarkable progress since breaking ground in September 2023. The new theater will include a 350-seat main theater, smaller “black box” theater, lobby, box office, dressing rooms, scene shop, and costume and prop storage. 

Newport-Mesa Unified School District Board President Carol Crane spoke about the significance of the day's events, noting it’s about not only the progress made in the construction, but also the overall hard work, collaboration, and craftsmanship that brought the project to this milestone. 

“This is a symbol of our district's commitment to the arts, demonstrating our investment in providing enriching and inspiring opportunities for our students,” Crane said.

Superintendent Dr. Wesley Smith thanked the board for their commitment to bringing a modern arts facility to Estancia, noting, “This theater will soon be a place where creativity is nurtured, talents are showcased, and the arts come alive for our students and the broader community. It's a space that will inspire future generations.”

The theater construction is anticipated to be complete by the start of the 2025-26 school year. The community will be invited to a Grand Opening to celebrate the new theater, providing a space where creativity, self-expression, and collaboration can flourish.  

See more photos on NMUSD’s photo repository.