What's Happening in Franklin, TN…

A middle school in Franklin recently unveiled its new theater in a celebration that literally had students screaming.

Grassland Middle School has a new performing arts center, which was dedicated by students, teachers, and its principal at a recent ceremony. The acoustics of the center were tested at that time, when Gary Anderson, the chairman of the Board of Education, asked the students who were attending the ceremony to scream their lungs out. The noise was to initiate the space, and left no doubt the students were excited. Anderson said he wished he had brought a decibel meter to see how loud the screams were.

The opening of the center at Grassland leaves only once middle school in the Williamson County School (WCS) system without such a facility—Sunset. Theaters have been added to other schools in a steady progression over a number of years.

Jason Golden, the WCS superintendent, noted that many of the schools were built in the 1980s, when theaters were not standard spaces. Over time, however, the district recognized the need for performance spaces, which would enhance the educational experience for students. Now, almost all middle schools have performing arts centers. Brochure printing can create materials that highlight amenities like this offered by institutions.

Kevin Dyson, the principal of Grassland, said he is delighted to have the theater added to the school, adding that he and the students are eager to start using the space.