Plainfield High School's Cutting-Edge Transformation: A Showcase of Innovation and Collaboration

Plainfield Public Schools, located in Plainfield, New Jersey, has recently unveiled a remarkable transformation of its high school campus. The district's million renovation project has breathed new life into the Plainfield High School, creating a state-of-the-art auditorium, a cutting-edge esports gaming arena, and a versatile black box theater. This ambitious undertaking, designed and executed by the PureTek Group, has positioned the school as a hub for educational excellence, community engagement, and technological advancement.

Elevating the Performing Arts Experience

Revitalizing the Auditorium

The centerpiece of the renovation project is the complete refurbishment of the Plainfield High School auditorium. Boasting a seating capacity of 1,525, the auditorium has been meticulously designed to serve as a premier venue for school performances, community events, and assemblies. PureTek Group, a local design and installation firm, has outfitted the auditorium with state-of-the-art Electro-Voice sound reinforcement systems, ensuring exceptional audio quality and immersive experiences for all in attendance.The auditorium's sound system features left-right Electro-Voice EVA line arrays to cover the main seating area, complemented by EVC loudspeakers for the balcony fill. Each EVA line array comprises three EVA-2082S/906 and two EVA-2082S/1220 loudspeaker elements, as well as two EVA-2151D subwoofers. This innovative line array solution offers the benefits of concert-type line arrays without the associated cost and complexity, making it an ideal choice for performance spaces like the Plainfield High School auditorium.The under-balcony seating area is meticulously covered by eight EVC-1122-95B compact loudspeakers, strategically mounted along the lip of the balcony with black EVC-UB2 brackets to maintain a low-profile aesthetic. The system is powered by a robust array of Dynacord DSP amplifiers, ensuring seamless and efficient audio delivery.

Embracing the Black Box Theater

The renovation project also saw the addition of a brand-new black box theater, a versatile space that has been integrated into Plainfield High School's fine arts program. The PureTek team has wall-mounted two EVC-1122-95B loudspeakers on either side of the stage, providing ample coverage and sound reinforcement for this intimate performance venue."When we began the project, the black box theater room had zero technology," explained Dan Litvin, president of PureTek Group. "Now, it is a room with unlimited possibilities for the fine arts program, the school district, and the community. The EVC loudspeakers are an integral part of the room's success."The black box theater is now equipped to host a wide range of dramatic arts activities, including educational programs, professional development workshops, and experimental theater productions. This new addition to the school's facilities has opened up a world of opportunities for students, faculty, and the local community to engage with the performing arts in a more intimate and immersive setting.

Empowering the Esports Arena

The Plainfield High School renovation project also saw the creation of a state-of-the-art esports arena, reflecting the growing prominence of competitive gaming in the educational landscape. The new esports arena is outfitted with three EVID-P6.2 pendant ceiling speakers and EVID-S12.1 compact subwoofers, powered by a four-channel Dynacord V600:4 600W amplifier.This cutting-edge setup not only enhances the gaming experience for the students but also allows for the live streaming of esports competitions to the larger auditorium. Strategically placed microphones in the auditorium capture the crowd's cheers, which are then played back live in the esports arena, further amplifying the energy and excitement of the events."The new esports arena is equipped with the latest technology to provide our students with a truly immersive and competitive gaming experience," said Litvin. "By integrating the arena with the auditorium, we've created a dynamic and engaging environment where the entire school community can come together to support and celebrate the achievements of our esports teams."

A Collaborative Effort for Excellence

The successful implementation of the Plainfield High School renovation project is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Plainfield Public Schools, the PureTek Group, and Electro-Voice. The PureTek team has a long-standing relationship with Electro-Voice and has relied on their expertise and high-quality products for several previous school installations."We have worked with Gary Karlsrud at Electro-Voice for a long and have completed several school installs with their gear to great success," explained Litvin. "Plainfield wanted the best of the best, and we knew EV would get the job done. The EV team also did a great job with measurement, making sure everything worked in each space. The pre-ordering engineering was amazingly helpful. Lastly, we know EV stands by their projects, so we were confident they would have our backs to ensure Plainfield was happy with the result."The seamless integration of Electro-Voice's sound reinforcement systems across the auditorium, black box theater, and esports arena has been a crucial factor in the overall success of the renovation project. The attention to detail, the commitment to quality, and the collaborative spirit between the stakeholders have all contributed to the creation of a truly remarkable educational and community hub at Plainfield High School.