The Building

The auditorium.

Theater, choir, dance, assemblies, and graduations all pass across this stage — which is why the Foundation has invested in it heavily.

The Foundation coordinated and helped fund a $300,000 auditorium sound and AV project, and faculty grants have added new stage lighting for Theater, Dance, Choir, and Instrumental Music.

Rows of restored red seats in the East High School auditorium, looking toward the arched side wall — Restored seating in the auditorium

Wide view of a historic school auditorium from the balcony — Stand-in for Owen's auditorium drone clip — send the footage and the real film drops into this slot.

History

The story of the auditorium

The auditorium opened with the rest of the Esplanade building in 1925. Construction had begun in 1922 on a school designed by George Hebard Williamson, an East graduate, and built as a centerpiece of Mayor Robert Speer's “City Beautiful” plan for Denver.

Nearly a century of Angels has crossed this stage: speech and debate, music, drama, ROTC, assemblies, and graduations. The award-winning speech, music, and drama programs the Foundation still supports were built in this room, and the house has kept its arched side walls, stage arch, and carved EHS doors throughout.

Preservation today

Gifts to Buildings & Grounds pay for stage, sound, and seating work here. The committee works with East's administration and Denver Public Schools so the room stays usable for performance while its 1925 character is preserved.

Timeline

1922Construction begins on the Esplanade building.
1925The auditorium opens with the new school.
Recent yearsThe Foundation coordinates and helps fund a $300,000 sound and AV overhaul, plus faculty grants for new stage lighting.

Compiled from the Foundation’s published school history and Flights of Angels: A History of Denver East High School. Additions and corrections from the History Committee are welcome.

Ways to give

Commemorative Brick & Paver Program

Leave your mark on East High School's historic entry plaza with a personalized brick or paver. Your inscription is a lasting tribute — and the full amount is tax-deductible (EAF is a 501(c)3, Tax ID #32-0069773).

Order a brick or paver