John Williams Performing Arts Center Opens at North Hollywood High School
North Hollywood High School celebrated the grand opening of the John Williams Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, honoring the acclaimed film composer and alumnus. The new 35,000-square-foot facility replaces the school’s original 1927 auditorium and is a centerpiece of a $320 million campus modernization project coinciding with the school’s centennial anniversary.
A State-of-the-Art Facility
The John Williams Performing Arts Center boasts an 802-seat auditorium and includes four dedicated classrooms for drama, instrumental music, chorus, and dance. Additional amenities include a scene shop and a student store, designed to provide a comprehensive training ground for all aspects of performance and production.
Honoring a Distinguished Alumnus
John Williams, who attended North Hollywood High in the 1950s, was present at the opening ceremony. The event also featured performances by the school’s marching band and student dancers, as well as the unveiling of a 75-foot mural depicting films scored by Williams.
Campus Modernization Project
The performing arts center is part of a larger modernization effort at North Hollywood High School. The project includes the complete modernization of historic buildings such as Kennedy Hall (1927/1930), Frasher Hall (1936), and the library (1927). Phase one of the modernization, completed in August 2023, included a new gym, classroom building, and outdoor learning environments.
Statements from LAUSD Officials
Acting Superintendent Andres E. Chait remarked on the significance of the occasion, stating, “There are few moments in public education quite like this one.” School board President Scott Schmerelson also spoke at the event, alongside a representative of Williams’ family and film producer Kathleen Kennedy.
Looking Ahead
The John Williams Performing Arts Center is poised to become a vital resource for students and the North Hollywood community, fostering creativity and providing a platform for artistic expression for generations to come.