Broadway-inspired auditorium to give new life to Gravesend high school • Brooklyn Paper

When workers complete the $7.5 million refurbishment of the expanded concert hall, the students at Brooklyn High School in the South will soon become one of the best school auditoriums in the city.

A drama educator said that the renovation of John Dewey High School will revive what was once known as the best performance space in South Brooklyn.

John Dewey High School (John Dewey High School) opened in 1969, when the progressive high school opened in Gravesend (Gravesend). In the early days, this school had advanced teaching methods and was repeatedly mentioned in the national high school rankings in Newsweek and U.S. News and World Report.

But by the early 2010s, schools began to decline.

The dropout rate is increasing and exam results are low. The Bloomberg government almost closed the school seven years ago. 

Treyger said that district councillor Mark Treyger and school leaders worked hard to keep John Dewey alive and vowed to turn the school around.

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Treyger said the school has exited the most difficult era led by the principal Connie Hamilton. Connie Hamilton took the helm in 2015, but many of its facilities (including the 900-seat The auditorium) is still outdated.

To help modernize the school, Hamilton and her team began working with local politicians and former educators a few years ago to brainstorm improvements to infrastructure. The first task is to renovate the school’s cooking kitchen and auditorium. 

After refurbishment, John Dewey’s theater will receive an air-conditioning system, an improved stage, seats, lighting, dressing rooms, sound insulation cushions, and space for sound control, stage design, and music. 

The theater will also comply with ADA standards and will receive the latest audio equipment that can transmit sound directly to hearing aids, thereby helping people with hearing disabilities.

Steinweiss, who once provided Treyger with suggestions for improvement, said that the new auditorium will not only become a performance venue, but also an important educational asset.

Steinweis added that she hopes she can work in the auditorium like John Dewey.

Brooklyn's own Rose Adams covers the south of Brooklyn. Her books have also appeared in "The Villagers" and "Chelsea Now".

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