High School Performing Arts programs thrive when students are given access to professional-grade facilities that allow them to explore their creativity, refine their skills, and deliver memorable performances. Recognizing the growing importance of arts education, Lutheran High School South in Saint Louis, Missouri, made a major investment in their Performing Arts Center (PAC). To bring this vision to life, the school partnered with TSI Global Companies, LLC, a fully MBE-certified electrical and systems integrator serving clients across North America.
TSI Global was tasked with designing and delivering a turnkey audio, video, and lighting solution that would not only meet the needs of the present but also provide room for expansion in the years to come. The project encompassed everything from professional sound systems to cutting-edge video projection, theatrical lighting, and user-friendly control systems. The Ribbon Cutting for this new facility was documented on the local news.
Creating a world-class High School Performing Arts facility required more than just equipment—it required a system that would be flexible, reliable, and capable of supporting a wide variety of events. From musicals and concerts to lectures and community gatherings, the PAC needed technology that could adapt seamlessly.
Supply chain challenges further complicated the project. Lead times for AV and lighting equipment stretched far beyond industry norms, in some cases extending up to 52 weeks. TSI Global had to carefully plan procurement and integration timelines to ensure the project remained on schedule without compromising quality.
At the heart of the PAC is a professional-grade audio system designed to deliver clarity and consistency throughout the space.
Wireless Microphones: 16 channels of Shure ULXD wireless, including four handheld microphones and 12 bodypacks with head-worn microphones.
Mixing & Processing: An Allen & Heath Avantis 64-channel digital mixer paired with a 48-input/16-output expander serves as the central hub for routing and balancing all audio sources.
Speakers & Coverage: Martin Audio CDD speakers were strategically installed to ensure even coverage, including two CDD15 mains, three CDD10 delay fills, seven CDD5 lip fills, and two SXC118 subwoofers. On-stage monitoring is supported by four Martin Audio X10 speakers.
Accessibility: An assisted listening system ensures ADA compliance, including 25 receivers, seven neck loop lanyards, and signage kits.
This system was specifically engineered to handle the demands of High School Performing Arts productions such as musicals, plays, and concerts, while remaining easy to operate for staff and students alike.
The video system enhances both live productions and classroom instruction:
A 16,000-lumen projector with a 255” diagonal screen ensures high-quality visuals.
Multiple video inputs, including stage floor pockets and the FOH booth, feed into an IP-based distribution network.
A PTZ camera captures performances, allowing events to be recorded or live-streamed.
A 65” mobile confidence monitor provides performers and speakers with real-time visual feedback.
Stage lighting is a crucial element of any High School Performing Arts program, and TSI Global delivered a professional solution:
Chauvet Professional Fixtures: Including 10 Ovation Reve E3, 12 Ovation E2FC, 15 Ovation P56FC, and 8 Ovation CYC3F units, allowing full-color mixing and dynamic scene control.
Control System: A ChamSys QuickQ30 console at the FOH booth provides intuitive yet powerful lighting control.
Convenience: A NETX Node near the entry door enables easy lighting adjustments.
TSI Global ensured ease of use and future scalability with a robust infrastructure:
Two 10” touch panels (FOH and on stage) for intuitive audio and video control.
Wall-mounted racks for amplifiers, DSP, networking, and video distribution, designed with room for future growth.
UPS systems to protect all equipment from electrical surges or malfunctions.
The impact of the new Performing Arts Center was immediate. Lutheran High School South premiered its upgraded facility with a production of Little Women, which went on to win five awards at the St. Louis High School Musical Theatre Awards. One of the accolades was for Outstanding Technical Execution, a direct reflection of the capabilities of the new AV and lighting systems.
A faculty member, Evan Sanft, shared their experience:
“My initial impression of the sound system was overwhelmingly positive; however, it showed its true capabilities during our inaugural musical, Little Women. We were able to achieve a professional sound from the system quickly and easily. Our production won a total of five awards from the St. Louis High School Musical Theatre Awards, one of which was for Outstanding Technical Execution. This was made possible through TSI’s design and expertise. What’s even more exciting is that the system is designed with ample room for expansion to push our productions even further in the future.”
Lutheran High School South’s Performing Arts Center now stands as a model of what modern High School Performing Arts facilities can achieve. By partnering with TSI Global, the school gained access to a fully integrated, professional-grade system that elevates both student learning and audience experiences.
From crystal-clear sound and dynamic lighting to state-of-the-art video and user-friendly controls, the PAC is equipped to inspire generations of performers. More importantly, the system was designed with flexibility and scalability in mind, ensuring it will continue to support the evolving needs of the school’s arts program well into the future.
Audio System: Included Shure ULXD wireless mics, Allen & Heath digital mixer, Martin Audio speakers, and an ADA-compliant assisted listening system.
Video System: Featured a 16,000-lumen projector, 255” screen, PTZ camera, IP-based distribution, and a 65” mobile confidence monitor.
Lighting System: Installed Chauvet Professional fixtures with full-color mixing, controlled by a ChamSys QuickQ30 console for professional stage lighting.
Results: The inaugural musical Little Women won five St. Louis High School Musical Theatre Awards, including Outstanding Technical Execution.
