It’s been an exciting year for the Raven and the Unicorn, a proposed 800-seat theater designed specifically for child-centered performing arts programs and educational opportunities. The theater is still on track to become the first children’s theater in the world to be platinum-certified through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, demonstrating the ultimate in environmentally sustainable construction and technologies.
With generous public support, Foundation for Promoting Arts Education (FPAE) has increased its project awareness by hosting diverse, incredible performances throughout the North State. George Winston, New West Guitar Group, Autumn Theater Ballet and its first annual Kool Classic Car Show are some of the 2014 highlights.
FPAE has had positive feedback from 20 grantors as the foundation successfully completed its first full internal audit. They have also joined forces with world renowned Artesan Dance Company and will provide the North State’s first professional Works-in-Progress performance series led by Artistic Director and Choreographer Summer Odell Ovies.
Development of the theater’s design is ongoing. In a recent decision by its design team, plans now include the concept of “universal design.” Universal design recognizes there is a wide spectrum of human abilities and it purposefully designs to encompass that diversity.
Incorporating universal design is another step in creating a truly unique children’s performing arts center – a place not only where children can safely and comfortably learn and perform, but also where everyone, regardless of physical, perceptual and cognitive abilities and challenges, can appreciate the performances.
Theaters, with their sloped floors and fixed seating, are among the most challenging structures to design for accessibility. To succeed, the Raven and the Unicorn design team will create an all-inclusive environment. Ramps will be fun and easy pathways through the facility, with art displays along the way. The seat and aisle design will accommodate the uniqueness of its audience throughout, rather than in just a few “special” areas. Signage will be graphic-based, not language based, and restrooms will allow for ease of use. Technology will be utilized to provide devices for listening and visual enhancement throughout the facility. These ideas and more will be incorporated into the facility.
Raven and the Unicorn aspires to bring hope and expand hearts through creating a cutting-edge, multipurpose arts facility that inspires and illuminates the childhood spirit. The theater will be located at 959 Inspiration Way in Redding, California.
To find out more about the project and ways you can contribute, visit http://www.ravenandtheunicorn.org or contact Margaret Johnson at (530) 225-8610 or Daria O’Brien at (530) 515-1057. Also read this article about the theater published last year in North State Parent: http://www.northstateparent.com/Raven&Unicorn2013.
Posted in: Art & Music, Community
Comment Policy: All viewpoints are welcome, but comments should remain relevant. Personal attacks, profanity, and aggressive behavior are not allowed. No spam, advertising, or promoting of products/services. Please, only use your real name and limit the amount of links submitted in your comment.
You Might Also Like...
Rare Air Trampoline Park: A North State Gem for Birthday Fun
Rare Air Trampoline Park A North State Gem for Birthday Fun Whether your child is a tiny tot or a teenager, Rare Air Trampoline Park is sure to turn your […]
Healing from Fire – Tips and Resources For Families Coping After Wildfire Disaster
Be Gentle with Yourself. You just made some hard decisions about your family’s safety under immense pressure and limited sleep; be gentle with yourself. Practice using an inner kind voice […]
Meet Beverly Cleary, Children’s Author and National Treasure
Who wouldn’t enjoy the spectacle of a young mouse named Ralph roaring down the hallways of a dingy hotel on a toy motorcycle? Or the plight of a scruffy, stray […]
Teenage Musicians: Win $400 In Music Store Prizes!
The Music Connection and North State Parent want to hear your story! If you are between the ages of 13 and 17 years old, and live in Upper California, send […]
Exploring the Options for Financing Solar Panels
Perhaps you want to save money on your electricity bill. Perhaps you advocate the environmental benefits of alternative energy. Whatever your motivation, if you’re thinking about installing solar panels at […]
ART from Ashes Youth Workshops
During the wildfire season of 2007, over 9,000 separate wildfires burned approximately 1.5 million acres in California. Out of this devastation the nonprofit ART from the Ashes (artfromtheashes.org) was created. […]