This semester, the sights and sounds of lively performances and applause that usually fill the Performing Arts Center (PAC) have been replaced with hammering, drilling, and scaffolding.

The ongoing work in the PAC is the result of a Brea Olinda Unified School District (BOUSD)-funded project that replaces the PAC’s outdated lighting with energy-efficient LED lighting along the stairs and above the stage, overhauls aging wiring, and replaces worn carpeting.

The $869,500 project is expected to be completed in January 2026.

Currently, WSP Engineering has finished integrating seat-mounted aisle lights, and the stage lights and carpeting are in progress.

A more modern electrical system — the system being replaced was installed in 1989 — will “enhance all shows in the PAC,” according to Kim Ofcacek, theater director.

“More students will be visible on stage and [drama] will be able to do more special effects with the new lighting system,” Ofcacek said.

Choir performers are looking forward to the upgraded stage lighting.

“I think it will make [performances] more fun to watch in general, because it makes it more like a party and more entertaining for the audience,” Indy Bomgaars (‘27), Masquerade vice president, said.

Molly Gooch, choir director, is looking forward to the updated stage and audience lighting because “the old electrical [system] would cause lights to run inefficiently and burn out quickly, so we were always lighting shows with partial lights.”

The project has not been without setbacks, however.

Construction was originally going to begin last summer with a target completion date for this fall, but was postponed until August.

“There were some challenges with getting submittals and electrical components approved. We had to order some components, most of them coming overseas,” Rick Champion, assistant superintendent, said at the BOUSD board meeting Sept. 11.

The postponement meant the relocation of BOHS’s performing arts programs, including dance, show choir, band, and drama.

Show choir, which consists of the Tiffany’s, Masquerade, and Spellbound programs, was forced to move their Sept. 25-27 Fall Magic performance to the Fullerton Union High School auditorium.

“It was fun to perform at a new place, but it wasn’t as nostalgic,” Bomgaars said. “We always look forward to performing in our own theater. It was kind of frustrating not being able to sing in the PAC this year.”

Choir will again be affected when its holiday showcase, Winter Magic, relocates to El Dorado High School in Placentia, Dec. 3-4

Similarly, band was forced to move their Instrumental Music Fall Concert to the Wildcat Gym Oct. 1. The concert combined jazz, orchestra, and wind ensemble performances.

While the location was just steps from where band usually performs, sound quality and atmosphere were impacted.

“In the PAC, there’s a better sound system and overall vibe,” Leo Jang (‘26), drum major, said. “The PAC is also more professional than the gym.”

Play Production’s Phantom of the Soap Opera was performed at El Dorado, Oct. 23-24.

“We usually start rehearsing in the PAC during our ‘tech week,’” Ofcacek said. “The district helped move our set and furniture, and El Dorado’s Performing Arts Center was a wonderful space to work in.”

Theater Tech had to learn how to operate the facility’s equipment and audio setups. For some team members, it was a welcome challenge.

“I get to work with new equipment, new theaters,” Madelyn Brewer (‘26), tech crew member, said, of having to relocate to different venues during the PAC’s renovation. “A lot of the theaters we work in are a lot nicer than ours, so we get to work with a new lighting system, new audio systems.”

Elisabeth Chiu (‘27), Dance Production captain, admitted that the PAC’s inaccessibility is “not the most ideal situation.”

“Before our shows we spend a good month during our class period in the PAC blocking our routines and practicing,” Chiu said.

Dance Production’s first concert is Nov. 13-15 at the Fullerton Union High School auditorium.

Despite the relocations, attendance, at least for choir, has not suffered.

“We sold more tickets to this show than we did for last year’s Fall Magic,” Gooch said.

Jeff Ferrato, administrative director for facilities and maintenance, operations, and transportation (MOT) noted that, despite the delay, the project is running smoothly.

“We have great relationships with our neighboring districts,” Ferrato said. “This has allowed us to reserve their Performing Arts Centers, and while it has been challenging to secure a location for some shows more than others, we have successfully relocated or rescheduled all events.”