Worth the Wait: New Auditorium Opens at Scarsdale High School

Some wondered if it would ever happen, but skeptics were proved wrong, when the newly renovated Scarsdale High School auditorium officially re-opened on Monday night April 28, 2025.

Plans for the renovation have been in the works for more than a decade. The space had fallen into disrepair and the district administration, after thorough study, proposed a renovation to bring the auditorium up to current standards—including improved acoustics and lighting, new audience seats, dressing room reconfigurations, modifications to enhance students’ theater tech learning experience and safety, and additions to improve accessibility.

Funds for the project were originally appropriated in the 2014 bond, but when expenses for the renovation of Greenacres Elementary School exceeded budget, the auditorium funds were used to complete that job.

It languished year after year, until May 2023 when the district proposed a $4.75mm bond for the work which was approved by voters in the May election.

Once the funds were in hand, work proceeded rapidly and the auditorium will now be available for the Class of 2025 Senior Play.

The new space is striking. Handsome wood panels line the walls, there’s attractive and comfortable seating, plush carpet, lit aisles and a maroon and blue color scheme. For the debut concert on April 22, removable acoustic tiles lined the stage. The acoustic tiles that lined the ceiling have been replaced with attractive spotlights. Next time you visit the high school, stop by to see the stunning new facility.

The district held a ribbon-cutting ceremony before the concert on Monday April 28 and here are excerpts from remarks by School Board President Suzie Hahn, Superintendent Drew Patrick and SHS Principal Ken Bonamo:

School Board President Suzie Hahn

…On behalf of the Board, we are so excited to be here with you to mark this happy occasion.

Of course it was Shakespeare who coined the phrase that “all the world is a stage”. But is it also true that a stage can be all the world? Now any Scarsdale math teacher will tell you that the converse of a true statement is not necessarily true. So we need to think about this case. I would like to suggest that it can indeed be true.

...and for many of our students it is and opens up their world. It’s a place to imagine and recreate scenes of far off lands and times both past and into the future. It’s where creativity and expression can grow and thrive, where students will take risks and find their voice. It’s where many of our students will feel most like they belong, whether it's to a musical ensemble like orchestra or band, or to a theater group, cast or stage crew. It’s where students will showcase their many talents and share the fruits of their hard work with their classmates, faculty and staff, and families. It is a place to come together and support one another, and learn as a community, and furthers our mission in Scarsdale to sponsor each student’s full development.

I happened to be at the high school during Jabberfest before Spring Break and the atmosphere was positively electric. To see the students’ excitement, to feel the positive energy, and to hear the students perform was truly special.

You may or may not know that auditorium improvements have been in the works for a long time. The auditorium had not had a significant renovation in nearly 50 years and updates were long overdue. We are so fortunate to now have this new modern venue for our Scarsdale community! Not only does it look great, but it sounds great, with greatly improved acoustics, as well as upgrades in safety and accessibility.

…. To everyone who supported this effort, thank you and bravo. Lastly, to our students - dream big and break a leg! That’s just for the theater kids! It’s your time to shine and we can’t wait to see what you can do. I look forward to the many moments of connection and joy in this beautiful renovated venue.

Superintendent Andrew Patrick

What a joyful and exciting occasion this is! Today, as we stand just outside our magnificent new auditorium, we celebrate not just the culmination of a construction project, but the start of a vibrant new chapter in the life of Scarsdale High School. The renovation of this space exemplifies our community’s steadfast commitment to a comprehensive education rooted in the liberal arts tradition, a philosophy that recognizes the profound power of the arts to shape well-rounded, insightful, and empathetic individuals. As has been the case with past generations, this is a space where the melodies of our orchestra and band soar, the harmonies of our chorus resonate, and the dramatic narratives of our plays and musicals unfold. The auditorium and stage within is where budding talent shines, our students discover and express their unique gifts, and where our entire school community gathers to connect, learn, and become inspired.

This auditorium is more than just bricks and mortar; it is a testament to our belief in the transformative power of creativity and artistic expression. It is a dedicated space where generations of young imaginations will flourish, where collaboration will thrive, and where the lessons learned on stage and through performance will extend into a world far beyond these walls. The reimagined space behind these doors will serve as a beacon, signalling the importance of the arts in nurturing the whole child – mind, body, and spirit.

Principal Ken Bonamo

What an incredible moment this is for our school and for our entire community. It is truly a pleasure to stand here before you to celebrate the grand opening of our newly renovated auditorium — a dream that has now become a reality thanks to the overwhelming support of our community.The 2024-2025 Scarsdale School Board with Laura Gelblum

First, I want to thank all of you — parents, students, staff, and leaders — for believing in the importance of education, of the arts, and of investing in the future of our students. The bond measure that funded this renovation is a direct reflection of your commitment to giving our young people the very best.

Ken Bonamo and Andrea O'GormanI also want to take a moment to recognize our school board members, district officials, and project leaders who worked tirelessly to bring this project to life with so much care for quality and detail. From the original committee meetings and the many years of trying to find the funding to make this happen, through the construction process, weekly meetings and tours of the space, to dealing with relocating countless events this year, I cannot overstate the time and effort that went into planning and making this renovation a reality. But I am very happy to say that it was worth it. Thank you to the construction teams, the architects, and the designers who turned sketches into stunning reality. And a special thank you to our teachers and students who were patient, flexible, and enthusiastic throughout the entire renovation process.

This auditorium is more than just a beautiful space. It is a symbol of what happens when a community comes together for a common purpose. Within these walls, our students will perform plays and concerts that allow us to experience the emotional power of the arts. We will also use this space for celebrations, recognitions, and moments of pride that students will remember for a lifetime.

It’s a space where creativity will be nurtured, confidence will be built, and memories will be made.

As we cut this ribbon today, we are not just opening doors to a physical space; we are opening doors to opportunity, to inspiration, and to countless moments of growth and achievement for generations of students to come.Suzie Hahn cut the ribbon.

On behalf of our school, our staff, and especially our students, I want to say thank you. Thank you for your belief, your trust, and your investment in the future.

Now — let’s celebrate this moment, and all the incredible moments yet to come!

Diane Greenwald who was instrumental in moving the project from conception to completion said, “This community passed a bond in 2014 that included funds to renovate the SHS auditorium so I am thrilled, all these years later, that its finally done, and so fantastic! I was proud to be a part of the year-long committee work —a model process — that led to well-defined investment, under then board president Suzanne Seiden’s inclusive leadership. The work got delayed but never forgotten thanks to our amazing district professional and lay leaders, and particularly thanks to FMA, under the committed eye of another inclusive leader, Laura Gelblum. We pass the baton in Scarsdale — stewardship for the benefit of the arts, for our kids learning, for capital improvements! I love sharing these values and seeing such spectacular results for the children of the Dale!”

And Laura Gelblum, who championed the renovation as former President of the Friends of Music & the Arts said, "It’s extremely gratifying to see our talented student orchestra perform in this beautiful space and to hear their music fill the hall. The renovations allow for an even greater appreciation of everyone’s talents. This is a place where skills are honed, imaginations are sparked, student confidence is built, and community bonds are strengthened."

"While it’s taken over a decade for this project to be realized, the renovation is even better than originally envisioned. I appreciate the dedication of current and former board of education members, and the administration’s efforts to update the scope of work. The upgrades to sound, lighting, safety, accessibility and more were added to meet current and anticipated needs.

"The process brought in the expertise of talented new staff and a new architectural team, and valuable input from the community.

"One of the highlights for me, tonight, is seeing the new digital billboard displays flanking the theatre entrance. What a great way to showcase the high school’s vibrant arts scene!

"Several punchlist items remain to be completed. I know the district will see them through."