Milpitas Unified School District

MILPITAS, CA – The Milpitas community gathered to celebrate a major milestone for local arts and education as the doors opened to the brand-new Milpitas Performing Arts Center, where a ceremonial  Ribbon Cutting took place on March 19, 2026, at the center’s home on the Milpitas High School (MHS) campus, 1285 Escuela Parkway, Milpitas.

The celebratory event kicked off with vibrant musical performances from the MHS jazz band ensemble, followed by a warm welcome from Superintendent Cheryl Jordan that highlighted the student talent the facility was built to serve.

"This is where MUSD learners will experience pathways on and all around the stage; pathways such as public speaking, dance and movement, instrumental and vocal, acting and directing, production, and stage design. If they can see it, they can be it!” said Superintendent Jordan. “This phenomenal art center elevates. It invites professional expectations and participation. It sparks possibilities. It beckons community to be one in spirit in all the ways that performing arts inspire.”

The program featured speeches from students, district and school leaders, emphasizing the community effort required to bring the center to life. Board President Chris Norwood, Milpitas High School Principal and Chief Innovator of MHS Campus Programs, Greg Wohlman and a pair of performing arts students addressed the attendees sharing their visions for the facility's future aligned with the District’s Strategic Commitments -- Build a Culture of We and Design Pathways to Empower Every Learner.

“We continue to build, innovate, and break down barriers for our learners to ensure that tomorrow is better than today,” Principal Wohlman said. “We do this not only for those who are here now but for those whom we have not yet met.”

Student flutist Kritika Mishra, a 7th grader at Rancho Milpitas Middle School, will be part of the “next” group of students to utilize the Performing Arts Center: “As a music student, this means that we will get more opportunities to practice, perform, and become better musicians. …It really shows that our schools care about music and arts, and also giving students a place to create and learn.”

A shared vision between voters, families, educators, and district leaders brought this project to life, following the overwhelming approval of the $285 million Bond Measure AA by taxpayers in November 2018.

"It was the vision that the voters and taxpayers had from the work that the students have been doing at this high school to say that performing arts matters, music matters. We have over 1,000 students in the school district that play music. That is because of the hard work and dedication of our teachers,” Board President Norwood said. “Today, we are celebrating a milestone in this community that has never been seen before. The vision of our governance team is not only will our students have the opportunity to have a world class experience but it is also our vision to have world class performers and artists to this facility so that we can show the taxpayers that we make sure their investment continues to build the capacity of this community for years to come.”

Following commendations from local and regional dignitaries, including MUSD alumnus and State Assemblymember Alex Lee, and closing remarks from Superintendent Jordan, attendees were treated to a tour to experience the new educational hub firsthand. During the tours, the community explored the venue's impressive features, including the 557-capacity seating main theatre complete with an orchestra pit, catwalk, theatrical rigging, and a dedicated AV room. Attendees also viewed the modern ticketing office and concessions area, the versatile “blue box” theatre, and the fully equipped backstage dressing rooms.

“The completion of the Milpitas Performing Arts Center is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and community vision,” said Angie Woo, Operations Manager for Swinerton Builders. “This project reflects what can happen when dedicated people come together with a shared purpose. Working alongside MUSD, TBK Construction Management, LPA, and every project partner has been an honor. Seeing this state-of-the-art venue come to life is very exciting, knowing it will spark creativity and serve as a cultural cornerstone for generations to come. We’re incredibly proud to help create spaces that enrich community, inspire learning, and elevate the voices and talents of students.”

Beyond the main performance stages, guests marveled at the center's premier instructional spaces. The facility boasts dedicated areas tailored for drama studies, alongside specialized classrooms for choral, band, and orchestra programs. The community saw the professionally sound-proofed practice rooms and breakout rooms featuring acoustic paneling, as well as the convenient instrument lockers provided to support students' daily artistic endeavors.

“I believe that the theatre will open new doors for everyone. For one, this theater can inspire upcoming and current students to take an interest in the performing arts. The new space we have can allow students to explore their talents and come out of their comfort zones just like I did,” shared Alexie Nogot, a sophomore thespian at Milpitas HS. “As I continue my high school career, I can’t wait to watch our community strengthen as this building fills up with new creative and talented minds.”

Embracing the spirit of the event's tagline, "Together, WE are MUSD FAMILY!", the successful grand opening marked a significant investment in the arts and the future of Milpitas students.

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About Milpitas Unified School District

Milpitas Unified School District is a beacon for learning for more than 10,000 students in early childhood through adult education. We have high expectations for every student and provide multiple opportunities and pathways for success. We provide learning opportunities for all and create nurturing environments where students are inspired and empowered. MUSD is an exceptional district in which students and staff are critical thinkers and trailblazers known for creativity and innovation. We prepare students to go out into the world and make a difference as responsible citizens who are passionate about life and learning. To learn more about Milpitas Unified School District, visit our school district website, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Instagram and  Twitter at @MUSDFamily.