CLOVIS, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Clovis Unified students are finally getting a backstage space for their performances at the Mercedes Edwards Theatre (MET) - and according to the school district, this means the student thespians "no longer have to run outside to do costume changes between scenes." The new 7,000-square-foot space features a 2,000-square-foot scene shop, two dressing rooms, a costume storage, a makeup room, a mezzanine and restrooms. Clovis Unified says the backstage area is the first major improvement to the theater in over 20 years. A ribbon-cutting ceremony with interactive backstage tours and an onstage workshop by student actors will be held on Friday at 10:30 a.m. “Jekyll & Hyde,” by Clovis North High, will be the first performance to utilize the space. This week's shows will run Thursday through Saturday starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased for Saturday's matinee at 2 p.m. The MET is home to the musical theater programs of all five of Clovis Unified's high schools, community events, special speakers and conferences. The backstage addition was made possible in part by voter-approved bond dollars.