Grants Pass School District 7 celebrates major progress on Performing Arts Center fundraising campaign

One year after launching a $1 million fundraising campaign to preserve the Grants Pass High School Performing Arts Center (PAC), Grants Pass School District 7 is proud to share the progress made thanks to generous grants, community donations, and ticket sales from the PAC’s 25th-anniversary celebration.

To date, more than $225,000 has been raised, allowing for significant improvements that enhance the PAC’s safety, accessibility, and technical capabilities. With district funding, the following upgrades have been completed:

• New carpet installation
• Exterior painting
• Main entrance door replacement
• Interior wall repairs and painting
• Powder-coating and painting of theater handrails
• Roof replacement - coming summer 2025

Additionally, through grants and community support, we have:

• Repaired long-standing roof leaks while awaiting new roof
• Improved wayfinding with new signage and marked parking lots
• Upgraded technical capabilities, including new:
  • Lightboard with touchscreen monitors
  • House speaker system (currently being installed)
  • Wireless intercom system
  • Digital wireless microphone system
  • Follow spots
  • Safety inspection
  • Additional DMX network

"This campaign has shown the incredible support our community has for the arts," said Wayd Drake, Supervisor for the PAC. "Every improvement we make ensures that the PAC continues to serve as a premier venue for performances and community gatherings for years to come."

The Work Continues: How You Can Help

While much has been accomplished, additional funding is needed for:

• New curtains and rigging
• Additional fly lines to support more shows
• An assistive listening system for improved accessibility
• ADA-compliant entrance and improved wheelchair/companion seating
• Parking lot repaving
• Projectors, video monitoring system, and a live stream switcher and camera
• An enclosed box office
• Expanded storage space to meet ever-growing needs

“The impact of the PAC goes beyond a building; it is a cultural and artistic hub for our students and our community,” said Kate Dwyer, Executive Director of the Four Way Community Foundation. “We encourage everyone to continue supporting this important effort so we can complete these necessary improvements.”

Donations can be made through sponsorship packages, as well as online, cash, or check donations to Grants Pass School District 7. Four Way Community Foundation has also established an endowment fund to provide long-term support for the PAC.

For more information or to contribute, visit our PAC 25th anniversary webpage.