Canyon High School performers played to a full house Friday night at the first-ever concert in the school’s new performing arts center.

Anticipation for the new 452-seat, 18,560-square-foot center was obvious as both parents and students gazed around the auditorium.

“Back about 15 years ago I was the principal at Canyon High School, and we dreamed for a facility like this,” said Vicki Engbrecht, Superintendent of William S. Hart Union High School District.

“Canyon High School has always been really special in terms of its performing arts, and to be able to provide a venue that’s worthy of the talent of the students that attend here is just heartwarming,” she said. “It’s been a long time, but it was worth waiting for.”

Superintendent Vicki Engbrecht speaks at the unveiling of the performing arts center last month.

The Concert Choir, Madrigals, Women’s Chamber Ensemble, Men’s Chamber Ensemble and Mixed Chorus all performed multiple times.

Chelsea White and Emma Allebrand acted out a scene from “The Children’s Hour,” and Lucs Ellaboudy, Gerson Ochoa, Nikash Nash, Destiny Botros and Elon Henderson delivered a funny scene from “Controlling Interest.”

Race Ludwig performed a monologue in addition to delivering a scene from “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime” with Loreal Guglleilmelli, Heaven Russell, Emma Allebrand, Jack Ferry and Seerat Kang.

“I think this is exciting. We have waited for 12 to 14 years for this building to built and to come to fruition. It’s all just kind of overwhelming,” said school board member Steve Sturgeon. “It’s almost a full-capacity house, and the kids are doing a great job.”

Chelsea White and Emma Allebrand act out a scene from “The Children’s Hour.”