Broken Arrow Public Schools

This project established the architectural language that would later shape Narrate’s expansion and renovation of the Broken Arrow Freshman Academy campus.

BA Freshman Academy Fine Arts

Broken Arrow Public Schools

Designing Spaces Where Creativity Thrives

Exceptional fine arts programs require more than talent—they require spaces designed for the unique ways students learn, rehearse, perform, and create. Working alongside Perkins+Will, Narrate partnered with Broken Arrow Public Schools to design a Fine Arts addition that provides dedicated environments for music, theatre, and collaboration while strengthening the Freshman Academy campus.

Through a collaborative programming process with district leadership, educators, and administrators, the team carefully tailored the project to support the needs of each discipline. The resulting addition provides specialized learning environments where students can develop their skills, collaborate with peers, and gain confidence both on and off the stage.

- South Intermediate School

Designed Around the Creative Process

Every space within the addition responds to the way students create and perform. Dedicated band, orchestra, and choir suites include rehearsal rooms, instrument storage, recording capabilities, and acoustical considerations that support both individual practice and ensemble performance.

At the heart of the project is a flexible Black Box Theater designed as both a performance venue and classroom. Its adaptable seating, theatrical lighting grid, scene shop, dressing rooms, green room, and support spaces give students the freedom to experiment, perform, and learn in an environment that mirrors professional theatre settings.

Outdoor gathering spaces and courtyards further extend opportunities for collaboration, creating places where students, educators, and the community can connect through the arts.

Project Highlights

Fine Arts Addition
Black Box Theater
Band Suite
Orchestra Suite
Choir Suite
Practice & Ensemble Rooms
Scene Shop
Green Room
Dressing Rooms
Instrument Storage
Recording Capabilities
Outdoor Courtyards
Student Gathering Spaces

FAQ: Broken Arrow Public Schools Freshman Academy Fine Arts

Q: What spaces are included in the Freshman Academy Fine Arts addition?
A: The project includes dedicated band, orchestra, and choir suites, practice and ensemble rooms, a flexible Black Box Theater, scene shop, green room, dressing rooms, instrument storage, recording capabilities, and outdoor gathering spaces designed to support both learning and performance.

Q: What is a Black Box Theater?
A: A Black Box Theater is a flexible performance space that can be configured for a variety of productions. At the Freshman Academy, the theater features an adaptable seating layout, theatrical lighting grid, and supporting production spaces that allow students to explore multiple styles of performance and stagecraft.

Q: How does the design support music education?
A: The addition provides dedicated rehearsal spaces for band, orchestra, and choir, along with acoustically appropriate rooms, instrument storage, and recording capabilities that enhance both instruction and performance.

Q: How does the project strengthen the Freshman Academy campus?
A: Beyond expanding fine arts facilities, the addition established a stronger campus identity by introducing gathering spaces, courtyards, and architectural elements that encourage collaboration among students, educators, and the community.

Q: Why are dedicated fine arts spaces important in schools?
A: Purpose-built music and theatre spaces provide the acoustics, flexibility, storage, and technical support needed for students to develop their creative talents while fostering collaboration, confidence, and performance opportunities.