Overview

The Cerritos College Performing Arts Center is set to open in 2021, marking a significant upgrade for the college's theater and music departments. Construction began over a year ago, with the groundbreaking taking place on March 6. The new facility will replace the aging Burnight Center, which has served students for decades.

Students like Jackie Ortiz and Daniel Galvez have shared their experiences and memories associated with the Burnight Center, highlighting both its charm and the need for modernization.

Key details

  • The new Performing Arts Center is part of Cerritos College's $80 million Measure G bond project.
  • Construction has been ongoing for over a year, starting on March 6.
  • The center will cover 84,000 square feet.
  • It will feature a 400-seat auditorium, lecture halls, music labs, studios, and smaller theaters.
  • There will also be an additional stage located outside the building.
  • The Burnight Center, which is set to be demolished, provided stages and recording studios for many years.
  • Jackie Ortiz recalls her first audition experience at the Burnight Center, which she found encouraging thanks to her friends.
  • Daniel Galvez noted that while the Burnight Center held special memories, it was in disrepair.
  • The Burnight Center was expected to complete the Spring 2020 season before campus closures due to COVID-19.
  • Students and faculty are looking forward to the new facilities, which promise to enhance the educational experience.
  • There is a sense of nostalgia for the old building, but excitement for the new opportunities the Performing Arts Center will provide.

Context

The transition from the Burnight Center to the new Performing Arts Center symbolizes a significant investment in the arts at Cerritos College, reflecting the institution's commitment to providing modern facilities for its students.

What happens next

As the completion of the new Performing Arts Center approaches, students and faculty are preparing for a transition that will enhance their learning and performance experiences.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding the exact opening date in 2021 and any specific events planned for the inaugural use of the Performing Arts Center have not been confirmed.