Lorang Theatre Finished And In Use At O'Gorman

SIOUX FALLS, SD - It's not your typical high school auditorium.  O'Gorman's Tom and Penny Lorang Theatre is finished and in full use by students.

Being front and center stage is a passion of O'Gorman High School Senior Michael Payne.

"It's really fun; we already had a fall show," Payne said.

A show Payne and the rest of his fellow actors were able to perform in newer, much bigger space.

"To get a facility like this for them to perform in, in front of everybody, is just great," O'Gorman Activities Coordinator Aaron Strand said.

The school's brand new $8.5 million Lorang Theatre was completed just in time for the start of school. It seats nearly 1,000. So far, it's being used for Wednesday Mass, concerts and rehearsals for upcoming performances.

"This facility is just so beautiful, and then to see people come in to see it and the show.  I mean, it's awesome how it all comes together," Payne said.

But while the stage is the focal point, it's what's backstage that Payne is most impressed with.

"Over here is where we do all of our makeup; this is where it gets really hectic before all the shows," Payne said.

There's also plenty of room for props in the scene shop, and upstairs, you'll find the biggest change for the performers: the much larger costume room.

"All of that used to fit in about a third or maybe a fourth of this size and it was all so condensed," Payne said.

Backstage and on stage has so far only been used by those in house. But the school is offering it up to the community to rent as well.

"I think down the road we're hoping some revenue, start bringing in some groups to rent it, help pay for the facility and generate some funding for our school," Strand said.

That will give others a chance to stand in the spotlight and enjoy the experience just like Payne.

"It's all really, really nice to have.  We're really, really fortunate," Payne said.

If you're interested in renting out the theater, just call O'Gorman High School.