The locally owned performance arts business, Wonderland Performing Arts, is set to expand into a larger space inside of the popular South College Center at Johnston & South College Road.
Wonderland Performing Arts first opened in the Fall of 2017 inside of a smaller, 2000 sq ft space, currently located at 227A Bendel Road. In 2019, as the company began to grow, they quickly realized that more space was needed. With limited options at that time, they leased additional space in an annex across the street. However, they quickly realized that two separate buildings do not work well for their operation. (See our 2017 post on Wonderland’s initial location click here.)
“We began shopping available real estate around the same time that Louise’s Furniture announced their closure.”
Allison Brandon, the founder of Wonderland, inquired about the newly available space inside of the South College Center. After some prospecting, long conversations about their needs, and what would be involved—a lease agreement had been met.
The South College Center offers a LOT to our students and patrons!
The South College Center is the 3rd busiest intersection in Lafayette, which is practically in the center of all of the action. The center provides the necessary exposure for traffic and it has a well-lit parking lot. There are also restaurants in the center for families to dine before or after performances. The center is also in close proximity to Moncus Park, CC’s coffee house, Albertson’s, and UL Lafayette’s campus.
“Our goals are to provide quality training in all areas of performing arts, and to serve our community by producing and presenting all types of art and events in our space.”
Wonderland’s new space will feature three large studios for dance classes and production rehearsals as well as space for a music lab. Also featured will be a 160-seat performance venue, complete with set, prop, costume storage area, and workshop. The backstage area will feature 2 dressing rooms and much more for their performers.
“We have lots of purchases to make and are currently seeking advertising sponsors. We are putting together a webinar to give people a virtual tour of the space. We should have that ready for participants to sign up within the next couple of weeks.”
If you would like to learn more about Wonderland Performing Arts, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/wonderlandperformingarts.
