LightHouse Holyoke Expands Its Space — and Its Innovative Vision
Learning Process
July 18 to Sept. 3. That’s 47 days. Not quite seven weeks.
That’s how much time LightHouse Holyoke, a non-traditional middle and high school celebrating its 10th year in operation, had between its purchase of the Gateway City Arts property on Race Street and the start of classes for the 2024-25 year.
Executive Director Catherine Gobron called that whirlwind of activity “amazing” as she gave BusinessWest a tour of the facility during the recent holiday break and reflected on the past few months; the school’s impact on students, many of whom thrive there more than they would a traditional public school; and how the new location opens up more educational programs — and potential career paths — for these teens.
Take, for example, a production academy integrated into two existing performance spaces, a small theater and a larger concert venue that has hosted national touring acts through the years; together, they will allow for training and internship opportunities for young people to learn the many skills associated with the entertainment and event-production industry, from lighting and sound to artist management and beyond. Isaac Eddy, a 12-year veteran of the Blue Man Group, is developing the theater program.