“We wanted a space that would not only showcase the incredible talent of our students but also invite the community to engage with the arts in a meaningful way” – Bill Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of AACMS
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4/4 Architecture served as architect for the design of The Arts Academy Charter Middle School (AACMS) stage, which represents a collaboration between architecture and the arts, creating a versatile place that meets the practical and artistic needs of students. The project creates a dynamic environment that supports a variety of performance types while reflecting the essence of AACMS’s commitment to creativity and student expression. The stage supports diverse artistic forms, from drama to dance, while allowing students freedom to adapt the space for their performances. The outdoor location presented challenges in terms of weather, visibility, and acoustics.
A Vision for the Arts
For years, the Arts Academy Charter Middle School (AACMS) in Allentown has been a cornerstone of arts education, nurturing young talent in music, theater, and visual arts. As a tuition-free public charter school, AACMS has provided students with opportunities to explore their creative potential in an environment dedicated to artistic excellence. But until recently, the school lacked a dedicated performance space, an essential element to fully support its mission.
That changed when the school embarked on an ambitious project: the creation of an outdoor stage that would serve as both a performance venue and a symbol of the school’s commitment to the arts.
The inviting nature of the AACMS outdoor stage is ideal for both spontaneous gatherings and planned performances.
The stage’s open-ended design and hovering roof frame performances while preserving uninterrupted sightlines, inviting audiences to relax on the lawn.
Designing an Immersive Experience
The AACMS stage represents a collaboration between architecture and the arts. The project creates a dynamic environment that supports a variety of performance types while reflecting the essence of AACMS’s commitment to creativity and student expression. The stage supports diverse artistic forms, from drama to dance, while allowing students freedom to adapt the space for their performances.
The outdoor location presented challenges in terms of weather, visibility, and acoustics. To address these, the team oriented the stage to leverage the site’s natural slope, enhancing acoustics while strengthening the connection between built and natural environment.
“The walls are designed not only to amplify sound naturally but also to direct the audience’s focus toward the performers,” Lader explained. The deliberate angling of the walls and roof creates a visual and auditory experience that enhances every performance.
Wood planks lend warmth to the sound and reinforces the idea of the stage itself as a musical instrument. The stage’s structure resonates in harmony with performances, amplifying sound. This thoughtful integration of materials ensures a space that actively enriches artistic expression.
At the same time, metal siding was introduced to give the stage an edgier, industrial feel. “That decision was about reflecting the youthful energy of the performers and also harkening back to Musikfest, which has such a rich history in this area,” Lader noted.
A Flexible, Evolving Performance Space
The stage was designed with adaptability in mind. As AACMS continues to grow, the space has the potential to evolve alongside its performers. To maintain flexibility, the design avoids permanent seating or fixed elements, allowing students to configure the space as needed. The design also allows students to introduce temporary elements like draped fabrics, transforming the stage depending on the performance.
The raised platform was another carefully thought-out feature. “The supports are inset, which gives the illusion that the stage is hovering above the ground,” Lader explained. “It integrates seamlessly with the landscape and extends into the horizon, reinforcing a connection to the natural environment.”
The thoughtfully integrated accessibility ramp ensures students can participate equally, reinforcing the stage’s commitment to inclusivity and engagement.
Navigating Challenges Together
While the vision was clear, bringing it to life required overcoming significant zoning and regulatory hurdles. Impervious coverage limits, township regulations, and construction permitting presented obstacles that had to be carefully navigated. Fortunately, AACMS was already working with Jerdon Construction on another project. Their experience with local regulations made them the ideal partner for this new initiative. They brought architect Gary Lader into the mix, and together with Bradbury Engineering, the civil engineer who helped design the site’s infrastructure, they were able to address these challenges head-on.
“Projects like this don’t happen in isolation. It takes a team that understands not just design and construction, but also how to work through the bureaucratic and logistical challenges,” Lader said. “Having that partnership approach was key to making this a reality.”
For Bill Fitzpatrick, the success of the outdoor stage went beyond just design and construction; it was about the trust and reliability that Gary brought to the table.
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“This project is about more than just a stage – it’s about giving our students a space that inspires them. It’s about showing them that their art matters, that their performances deserve a proper home.” – Bill Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of AACMS
