Since 1958, Moline High School has put good use to the same auditorium. This school year, students for the first time will experience a brand new theater environment. The newly renovated auditorium, called the Bartlett
Performing Arts Center, will be revealed sometime this school year and in turn, lots of excitement among students is
circulating. As many may know, the construction project was made possible by Moline School District’s agreement
with the Robert E. Bartlett Family Foundation. The auditorium name pays tribute to Mr. Bartlett, a charitable
benefactor of the City of Moline who had a passion for the arts and education.
The purpose of the renovation is to welcome outside performers, increase educational opportunities,
completely remodel the auditorium. Although students can only see the external changes so far, the internal transformations are progressing quickly. Some of the new features are going to include a music room, choir room,
scene shop, dressing rooms, practice rooms, and of course, a concession area. Mrs.Martinez gives an update on the
progress. “It’s all on schedule. . . Over the winter break we are going to move band and choir into the new rooms
and we’re projecting to have the auditorium ready for the musical in march.” Everything is going according to plan.
Whether they’re performers, involved in the arts, or audience members, the Moline Maroons can’t wait for the new
edition to their school.