The 875-seat Bellermine Theater in the Summa Arts & Science Center expansion at Scranton Preparatory School was planned with a great deal of input from Prep administration, faculty staff and students. The school’s President, Director of Capital Projects, Principal, and director of the theater program all contributed their expertise and ideas throughout the course of the design phase.  Plans for the expansion were reviewed on several occasions to ensure that the end product would meet the needs of the Scranton Prep community now and for years to come.  

The expansion’s design reflects the American collegiate gothic architecture of Prep’s main building.  Materials and details that are common to the style of the original structure were repeated on the exterior.   Inside, the Center features a large, welcoming lobby and monumental stair that connects each level of the new structure with the original building.  The historic facade of the building was left exposed in the stairwell, revealing an interesting contrast between old and new.  A new elevator provides ADA access to all floors.   Throughout the building, soft colors and cherry wood trim maintain continuity with the finishes and palette used in the recently restored main building.

The theater was designed with the assistance of Robert Lorelli Associates, Inc., a firm that has consulted on a number of significant projects, including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and Philadelphia’s Academy Center for the Performing Arts.  Prep’s highly regarded drama group also helped to guide the planning and design of the space.  The two-level theater features state of the art technology typically found only in college and university-level performing arts centers.  Support spaces include a ticket office, scene shop and dressing rooms.

This was the first phase of the building additions. Extensive design options and studies were explored to assure that all appropriate architectural and historical elements were accounted for, resulting in the new structure to compliment and complete the main school building without architectural contradiction.

The new Summa Center for Arts & Science sets the tone for Scranton Prep’s expanding campus rich in tradition and history, yet forward-thinking in its planning and technology.