About
- Overview
- FoCAL Advisory Council
- FoCAL Code of Conduct
- Register to Become a FoCAL Volunteer
- FoCAL in Focus
Overview
The Forsyth County Arts and Learning (FoCAL) Center is a two-story, 81,006 square-foot facility located on the campus of Forsyth County Schools' Board of Education and Professional Development Center. The facility is designed to support the fine arts programming of the district’s schools, with secondary service to the local community through access to quality arts and cultural entertainment, and space for rehearsals/performances, trainings, meetings, and other gatherings.
Built with funding provided by the 2018 voter-approved Bond referendum, the facilities include outdoor gathering/performance space and feature a main theatre with a stage, orchestra pit, and seating for 1,813 guests (1,188 on the main level and 625 on the balcony). The building also has a black box theatre with four different seating configurations, a convertible rehearsal/banquet hall space, a scene shop, a green room, dressing rooms, a catering kitchen, concession kiosks, and a two-story lobby for visual art galleries.
FoCAL Center Mission:
To be a “FoCAL Pointe” of performance and visual arts for the Forsyth County schools and community.
FoCAL Center Vision:
Performance
Opportunity
Inspire
Network
Talent
Enrich
Take a look at what FoCAL means to our community by watching FoCAL in Focus.
FoCAL Advisory Council
The FoCAL Center utilizes the assistance of an advisory council of school and community members to bring the mission and vision of the FoCAL Center to light. Their expertise, input, and support are crucial to the FoCAL Center’s success, and we thank them for their continued dedication to enhancing fine arts in Forsyth County Schools and the community. If you would like to serve on this council, please contact Dawn Phipps.
Ruthie Brew
Director, Forsyth County Senior Services
Courtney Bromwich
Owner, Sawnee School of the Arts
Karen Bundy
Director of Music and Fine Arts Conservatory, First Redeemer Church
Kayla Duncan
Professional Learning Specialist, FCS Teaching and Learning Department
Rebecca Gerstenlauer
Music Teacher, Chattahoochee Elementary School
Joan Irwin
Marketing Teacher, Alliance Academy for Innovation
Lynn Jackson
Chief Operating Officer, Northside Hospital Forsyth
Catherine Keyser
Fine Arts Specialist, Community Engagement & Lifelong Education
Carole Kjellson
President, Sawnee Arts Association
Jen Matthews
Teacher, Riverwatch Middle School
Natalie Pass
STEAM Teacher, New Hope Elementary School
Ahna Phillips
Executive Director, Forsyth County Arts Alliance
Julie Rosseter
Orchestra Teacher, Lambert High School
Hannah Samples
Community Engagement Coordinator, Community Engagement & Lifelong Education
Jan Selz
Architect & Facilities Planning Manager, FCS Facilities Department
Toni Sullivan
Art Teacher, Coal Mountain Elementary School
Pakala Swatha
Director, Dance Kids Dance
Kimmy Wood
Art Teacher, Denmark High School
FoCAL Code of Conduct
The Forsyth County Arts and Learning (FoCAL) Center is dedicated to maintaining a safe and pleasant atmosphere for all patrons, employees, and guests. Forsyth County Schools' School Resource Officers (SRO), who also serve as deputies of Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, are present at large FoCAL events. The following behaviors are prohibited:
- Possession of alcohol, illegal drugs, or weapons of any kind
- Drinking alcohol, smoking (including electronic cigarettes), using other tobacco products
- Being in an unauthorized area
- Disruptive noise, including profane language
- Any behavior that presents an imminent danger to the life or safety of others
- Verbal or physical abuse of staff, volunteers, or patrons
- Violation of copyright laws
- Disruptive use of electronic devices
- Failure to supervise children
- Stealing or damaging equipment
- Unauthorized removal or attempted removal of materials
- Vandalizing equipment or facilities
Register to Become a FoCAL Volunteer
When you volunteer at the FoCAL Center, your invaluable gift of time supports the FoCAL Center’s mission to be a “FoCAL Pointe” of performance and visual arts for the Forsyth County schools and community. As a volunteer, you will discover new skills, make friends, try new experiences, gain self-confidence, and enhance your personal growth. So, roll up your sleeves and get involved! To be a FoCAL volunteer, please complete this registration form and someone will be in touch with you soon. Thank you for supporting the FoCAL Center!
Resources