LACHSA Foundation opens new John C. Hench Lab for student artists

The LACHSA Foundation marked the opening of a new design and production lab at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, backed by The John C. Hench Foundation. The facility expands hands-on training in sound, lighting and scenic design for student artists preparing for careers in California’s creative economy.

Why it matters: - The new John C. Hench Lab gives LACHSA student artists access to professional production tools and a dedicated classroom space. - The lab strengthens a Career Technical Education program that prepares students for jobs in California’s creative industries. - LACHSA students already support more than 40 performances, film festivals and exhibitions each year.

What happened: - The LACHSA Foundation hosted a ribbon cutting last spring for the new John C. Hench Lab adjacent to Caroline’s L.O.F.T., LACHSA’s intimate performance space. - LACHSA administration, student artists, teachers, special guests and representatives of The John C. Hench Foundation attended. - The John C. Hench Foundation has invested through the LACHSA Foundation since 2017, with grants totaling more than $1 million. - The event highlighted the foundation’s continued support for arts education at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts.

The details: - The lab includes state-of-the-art equipment for sound, lighting and scenic design. - The space also serves as a new classroom for the Design and Production program. - The program gives students real-world experience, master class opportunities and technical training. - Students in the program design sets, program lighting, build scenery, mix sound and solve production problems collaboratively. - The work is meant to build artistic, technical and life skills. - Jonathan Zager, president of the LACHSA Foundation Board of Trustees, welcomed guests and thanked The John C. Hench Foundation for its partnership. - Dr. Tina Vartanian, LACHSA’s principal, said the school is grateful for the support and excited to see the program grow. - Liz Czypinski, LACHSA’s technical director and lead faculty for the program, said the lab gives students access to professional tools and helps them build confidence, collaboration and resilience. - Senior student Emery said the lab became a favorite place at school and called it more than just a classroom. - Student artist Giselle created a Toto sculpture from found and repurposed materials as a thank-you gift for the foundation representatives. - The John C. Hench Foundation representatives were LACHSA alumni and trustees Sam Deetjen and Lisa Henderson. - Deetjen cut the ribbon and welcomed guests into the new lab. - Students demonstrated the new equipment and discussed their roles in productions at LACHSA. - The John C. Hench Foundation was established in 1990 and has funded arts programs at LACHSA, USC and CalArts, among others.

Between the lines: - The new lab is more than a facilities upgrade. It signals a long-term bet on arts training as workforce preparation. - LACHSA’s pitch is that creative education can lead directly to practical skills, not just performances on stage. - The foundation’s support also reflects a broader donor model: targeted investment in equipment, space and student access can reshape what arts instruction looks like on campus.

What's next: - LACHSA Foundation leaders will continue fundraising to support arts education and programming at the school. - The new lab will be used for student training and production work as the Design and Production program grows. - The school will keep relying on outside partners, including industry groups and donors, to expand opportunities for student artists.

The bottom line: - The John C. Hench Lab gives LACHSA students a professional-grade space to learn, create and prepare for creative careers.