An early concept drawing of what will be the primary space inside the CAVE (Center for Animation, Video and Entertainment), the Animation and Editing Lab
McCallie will be adding a boy cave - a space to explore, be themselves and play and tinker with tools and high tech toys - in the fall of 2016.
The Center for Animation, Video, and Entertainment (The CAVE) will provide students with the opportunity to explore, create and design in digital media with "cutting edge" resources in film, video, animation, graphic design and digital instruction.
With approximately 2,000 square feet, the CAVE will contain a filming studio with a Cyclorama wall, animation area, sound booth, hubs for individual and collaborative work, and dedicated space for instruction. It will also feature the latest technological tools, including cutting edge hardware and software, said officials.
"The CAVE is a fusion of design and technology and enables our students to enhance their skills of creativity, design and communication," said Academic Dean Sumner McCallie. "Students will themselves produce videos, films, and other digital and entertainment projects."
Eight Upper School classes will be taught in the CAVE, and they will be offered for students with a wide range of skill and experience, ranging from novice to advanced. Afterschool enrichment activities will also be offered. The school is beginning a national search for a teacher of animation, video and digital arts. The school's current videographer, Brandan Roberts, will be based in the CAVE and engage students in his projects. Additionally, McCallie's visual and performing arts staff will complement the work in the CAVE.
"Conceiving, scripting, producing and editing film, video and entertainment products is an increasingly powerful and relevant skill in today's world, and we will be giving our boys robust opportunities in these areas," said Headmaster Lee Burns. "Plus, our boys will love these types of experiences."
The CAVE will be located on the first floor of the main Upper School building. Renovation to create this innovative, high-tech space will begin shortly and should be completed by late summer.
"The CAVE complements the new programs in our new science building which opens in early February," said Assistant Headmaster Kenny Sholl. In addition to state-of-the-art biology, chemistry and physics labs, the $14 million Walker Hall features the Turner Center for Technology, Engineering and Design. Called "The TED" and named for alumnus Ted Turner, it boasts of a global conference center, engineering lab, and The Lebovitz Innovation Lab.
"The TED will enable us to offer remarkable opportunities for students to design, build, solve problems, program and code, and connect with and collaborate with experts and peers all over the world," Mr. Sholl said.
"It's a new era of learning," Headmaster Burns added, "and McCallie will be at the forefront of giving our students the learning experiences they will need to thrive and lead."
A proposed design of the "Cyc Wall" room, a cyclorama (rounded bottom) that will include greenscreen capability for filming purposes