The Rec Groundbreaking Ceremony

SCH rolled out the red carpet for Rec supporters last week! With less than $400,000 of the $6.5 million needed to restore The Rec, SCH’s beloved performing arts space, donors, current and past Players, directors, trustees, and friends gathered for a ceremonial groundbreaking at the theatre on Thursday. 

The building will soon be under construction with updates on the horizon: expanded seating, a modular stage system, upgraded sound and lighting systems, expanded dressing rooms, a dramatic, glass-walled, wraparound lobby, and more. Phase I of the Restore The Rec Campaign, which included a renovation of the roof and windows, was completed in January 2022.

The groundbreaking ceremony wasn't just about bricks and mortar. It was a celebration of the memories and magic created within the walls. Co-chair of the Restore The Rec campaign Caroline Estey King P’17, P’19 expressed her gratitude to guests and donors and delivered remarks on behalf of her fellow co-chair, Barry Shannon ’70, who said, “The renovation of The Rec is a major milestone for all past and future Players.” 

Several others expressed their love for The Rec and the Arts at SCH through King, including past director Jill Garrett, who shared, “The Rec. Where memories are made. Where magic happens and traditions live on. Where friendships live on and everyone is equal. There is no other place like it.”

Before the ceremonial ribbon cutting by Head of School Delvin Dinkins and SCH Board Chair Patrick Lindsay, Players co-presidents Agharese Olagunju-McWilliams and Cameron Harrop shared their favorite Rec memories and their hope for the future, including the traditional wall signed by cast and crew featuring encouraging “simple, kind words,” according to McWilliams, for future generations of performers. 

There is still time to give: Show your support today!