Sankofa Dance Theater
One of the exciting cultural organizations in Baltimore City is the Sankofa Dance Theater, which offers after-school and weekend programs for children and adults on African dancing, drumming, and history. In addition, the theater was voted Best of Baltimore 2006. Unfortunately, the space where they are currently located, the gymnasium of a former school now converted to a business center, does not meet their needs. Storage space and dressing rooms are lacking, it is difficult for audiences to see performances, and the entrance is small and uninviting.
In 2005, NDC volunteers Tracy Byrnes and Stacy Kroft, both from RCG Architects, worked with Sankofa members to conduct a programming study and prepare plans for upgrading the facilities. The volunteer architects reworked the dressing rooms, administrative offices, stage, and practice areas to increase their size and improve access and circulation. Additionally, the entry was redesigned to create a better separation between the entrance and performing space, including a new ticket booth and sales area that incorporates the design of the African Bilbao tree. Finally, a mezzanine was added for additional storage and lighting, along with a wall of mirrors that could be hidden behind panels decorated with African patterns.
As a result of the plans, drawings, and cost estimates prepared by NDC, the Sankofa project was included as part of a City Bond measure on the 2006 election ballot. Voters approved $200,000 for the building's renovation.
Project Completion: 2005
Project Location: 2901 Druid Park Drive Baltimore, MD
NDC Volunteers: Tracy Byrnes and Stacy Kroft, RCG Architects