Clovis Unified School District is proud to have two of the most impressive performance facilities in the Valley. These venues house hundreds of student performances each year, as well as being available for community rental.
MERCEDES EDWARDS THEATRE
Originally serving as the auditorium for the old Clovis High School in 1942, the Mercedes Edwards Theatre served as the lone theater performance space for the district for many decades. The space underwent a massive re-model in 1998-1999. It now boasts a 5-story fly loft, a hydraulic orchestra pit, a 750 seat audience capacity that includes 250 balcony seats. The original seat backs were beautifully restored to their original state. The lobby area also received a well-deserved “face lift” and can be used as a concession area as well as for reception events. The “MET” produces five Broadway-style musicals per school year and has been the summer home to CenterStage Clovis Community Theatre.
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Opening in 2008, the Performing Arts Center is three beautiful Arts facilities under one roof. The Paul Shaghoian Concert Hall is a 750 seat acoustic triumph. The hall has already impressed groups from across the nation. There is not a finer concert facility for a K-12 district west of the Mississippi. The black-box style Dan Pessano Theater is an amazingly versatile venue for both comedies and dramas alike. In addition, the lobby that connects these two performance spaces serves as an art gallery showcasing work from CUSD students and teachers! The facilities were constructed to fulfill the Clovis Unified School District’s vision of providing outstanding facilities for music, drama and art for all the Fine Arts groups within the District.