![Lumberton Performing Arts Center in Lumberton, Texas.](/vault/img/2016/05/06/572cdd81d12bc38e1bc30fa3/medium/cutright-allen-2b.jpg)
Lumberton Performing Arts Center in Lumberton, Texas. (Connie Anderson Photography)
Monolithic Dome Safe Room Used Nearly Every Day for Performing Arts
In Lumberton, Texas a monolithic dome safe room was constructed for the school district and community. However, the community doesn’t call it a safe room. They call it the Lumberton Performing Arts Center. It houses a full stage for plays and all types of performances. The seating retracts to open the floor for Senior prom or a business Expo.
“The Lumberton Performing Arts Center looks nothing like a ‘safe shelter’,” said Gretchen Scoggins, Coordinator for Special Programs and Communications. “By adding a Foyer, designing an auditorium for multi-use by the school and community, and decorating choices which are elegant, we have a beautiful building which impresses all visitors.”
The concrete dome — built by Dome Technology — is used an average of four times a week for various community events. Between December to May, Scoggins reports it’s used almost every day.
“We are thrilled that it all came together in such a way,” she added, “that we can use it for school functions and provide a safe environment for those emergency responders during hurricanes.”
Related Links
![Choir performance.](/vault/img/2016/05/06/572cdd98d12bc38e1bc30fa9/small/Stage_with_choir_risers.jpg)
Choir performance. (Lumberton ISD)
![Sixth grade band performing for parents and friends. Audience seating extends for stage performances.](/vault/img/2016/05/06/572cdd46d12bc38e1bc30f98/small/6th-grade-band-from-the-stage.jpeg)
Sixth grade band performing for parents and friends. Audience seating extends for stage performances. (Lumberton ISD)
![Banquet seating on the center floor.](/vault/img/2016/05/06/572cdd4fd12bc38e1bc30f9a/small/banquet-seating.jpg)
Banquet seating on the center floor. (Lumberton ISD)
![The seats pulled back and more tables and chairs set up for a banquet.](/vault/img/2016/05/06/572cdd54d12bc38e1bc30f9b/small/banquet-set-up.jpg)
The seats pulled back and more tables and chairs set up for a banquet. (Lumberton ISD)
![A commercial expo held at the center. Note that the seats retract to open the floor for dances and other events.](/vault/img/2016/05/06/572cdd5cd12bc3999b22600b/small/commercial-expo.jpg)
A commercial expo held at the center. Note that the seats retract to open the floor for dances and other events. (Lumberton ISD)
![Main foyer is used for receptions and other events, too.](/vault/img/2016/05/06/572cdd72d12bc38e1bc30fa0/small/cutright_allen_2420.jpg)
Main foyer is used for receptions and other events, too. (Connie Anderson Photography)
![Main foyer.](/vault/img/2016/05/06/572cdd79d12bc38e1bc30fa1/small/cutright_allen_2426_Edit.jpg)
Main foyer. (Connie Anderson Photography)
![Foyer set up for a reception.](/vault/img/2016/05/06/572cdd88d12bc38e1bc30fa5/small/Foyer_for_reception.jpg)
Foyer set up for a reception. (Lumberton ISD)