Welcome to the HCISD Performing Arts Center
The HCISD PAC is a state-of-the-art auditorium, one of only a few like in the Rio Grande Valley. Overseen by the HCISD Music Department, it was built in the spirit of providing a premiere facility for Harlingen students in band, choir, orchestra, and theater to perform for state and local competitions. In addition, it serves as beacon for community events that take advantage of the PAC’s beautiful design and generous seating. Designed by Megamorphosis of Harlingen, the facility is a blending of traditional Mexican culture with contemporary designs. It is centered around the theme of a Talavera tile pattern, found on the mural at the front of the building and Saltillo tile, which served as a basis for creating the color palate found throughout the Performing Arts Center. This theme is even found in the restrooms off the lobby, where imported Mexican Talavera tiles border the sink areas and where travertine counters were installed.
With over 30,000 square feet, a seating capacity of 956, and a 4800 square foot stage, the HCISD PAC is designed to offer the community a premiere center that offers some of the best acoustics in South Texas. Designed by Rene Garza of WJHS of San Antonio, the acoustics in the performance hall are regionally known for it’s incredible musical intelligibility and acoustical projection, making the PAC a sought after center for onstage recordings. The PAC’s full-fly tower, the only one of it’s kind south of San Antonio, and state-of-the-art theatrical systems, designed by Texas Scenic, allows the center to host a large variety of events. This system with all its rigging allows for scenery, curtains, lights, and props to be hoisted out of audience view above the stage.
Since the ground-breaking in 2012, the HCISD Performing Arts Center has continued to provide Harlingen a user-friendly performance space that contributes to quality fine arts education and challenges students and communities to a high standard of performance.