UPDATE: The K.L. Peters Auditorium at Beverly Hills High School (BHHS) has officially reopened, marking a significant milestone for the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) after nearly a decade of renovations. The grand reopening occurred on January 28, 2024, during a spectacular event attended by community leaders, students, and parents.
The newly renovated auditorium, boasting 1,200 seats, features cutting-edge theatrical technology, including a multistory lighting catwalk, advanced sound systems, and ADA-accessible amenities. This state-of-the-art facility not only includes an orchestra and balcony but also a motorized orchestra pit that can be configured for different performances.
The auditorium’s renovation, funded through local bond measures, was overseen by Executive Director of Maintenance, Operations and Construction Will Karrat and the management firm Fonder-Solari. The project culminated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony that highlighted the community’s commitment to investing in educational facilities.
Judy Manouchehri, President of the BHUSD Board of Education, emphasized the significance of the reopening: “This reopening is the result of years of thoughtful planning and commitment to our students and community. Your presence reflects how deeply this district matters to Beverly Hills.”
The auditorium will serve as a vital performance space for BHHS’s music, theater, and dance programs while also providing a gathering place for school assemblies. The advanced technology will enhance the school’s theater tech pathway, where students gain hands-on experience in lighting design, sound, and stagecraft.
Real estate agent Michael Libow, a BHHS alumnus, played a crucial role by donating the stage, which is now named in his honor. He remarked, “If somebody is a new parent coming into the Beverly Hills community, they will now be proud to call this their high school.” His contribution underscores the community spirit surrounding the theater.
Students were at the heart of the reopening celebration, with a BHHS string quartet entertaining guests and Culinary Arts students providing hors d’oeuvres. The evening culminated in a dazzling performance by the BHHS Advanced Dance Theatre Group, showcasing the talent and creativity fostered by this new facility.
Alex Cherniss, BHUSD Superintendent, expressed optimism about the auditorium’s impact on the school’s arts programs: “When you have great events like this, amazing kids will want to come here because of our dance, theater, and arts.”
The auditorium’s soft opening on January 27 featured an assembly with five Holocaust survivors, allowing students to hear their powerful stories for the first time in one space. This poignant event set the tone for the auditorium as a hub of learning and cultural exchange.
The reopening coincides with other major construction projects on campus, including the renovated Salter Family Theatre and new athletic facilities. “Tonight marks more than the reopening of a theater—it marks the fulfillment of a promise,” Manouchehri added, highlighting the district’s dedication to providing world-class educational environments for students.
As the community celebrates this new chapter in BHHS’s history, the K.L. Peters Auditorium stands as a testament to the importance of arts education and the vibrant spirit of Beverly Hills.
