Spartanburg Day School

A momentous occasion unfolded at Spartanburg Day School this morning with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Valerie M. Barnet Theatre. The new theatre, named after beloved and long-time SDS theatre teacher Valerie Barnet, is set to begin construction this summer adjacent to the Mildred Harrison Dent Fine Arts Center.

The groundbreaking ceremony followed a successful fundraising campaign that garnered significant support from the school community. The new theatre represents a significant investment in the arts program at SDS, providing students with a dedicated space to hone their theatrical talents.

The ceremony was attended by generous donors, friends and family of Valerie Barnet, current and former theatre students, and other members of the Spartanburg Day School community.

"I'm most excited for the future theatre students who will be able to express themselves through theatre arts – whether it's acting, singing, dancing or running sound and lights," shared Valerie Barnet. "These future students will now have a space to create – a space they can call their own, and that truly warms my heart! So today I celebrate with you the exciting future for all the arts here at SDS, but especially the magical place where they all come together – the theatre!"

The addition of the Valerie M. Barnet Theatre signifies a commitment to fostering a vibrant arts program at SDS. "A dedicated space like this creates a buzz and generates excitement amongst all members of our Spartanburg Day School community," said Dave Skeen, Head of School. "We are happy to have the support of Mr. and Mrs. Barnet and all who have given of their time, talent, and treasure to make this dream a reality. As we lay a new cornerstone towards the future of the arts at Spartanburg Day School here this morning, I hope you all can feel that palpable excitement around the theatre but also the future of Spartanburg Day School."

The Valerie M. Barnet Theatre promises to be a valuable asset to the school, providing a platform for student expression and fostering a love for the performing arts for generations of SDS students to come.