New Jersey Performing Arts Center facts for kids
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New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, New Jersey
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| Address | 1 Center Street Newark, New Jersey United States |
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| Coordinates | 40°44′25″N 74°10′05″W / 40.7401467°N 74.1679199°W |
| Public transit |  Newark Light Rail at NJPAC / Center Street:
Broad Street – Newark Penn
Newark Penn Station |
| Type | Performing arts center |
| Capacity | Prudential Hall: 2,800 Victoria Theatre: 514 The Chase Room: 350 Horizon Theater: 88 |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1997 |
| Architect | Barton Myers |
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is one of the biggest performing arts centers in the United States. It is located in Downtown Newark, Newark, New Jersey. NJPAC opened in October 1997 and is home to the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. Since it opened, more than nine million people have visited, including over one million children!
NJPAC has played a big part in making Newark a better place. It is in the city's cultural area, close to Military Park. Other important places nearby include The Newark Museum, the New Jersey Historical Society, and the Newark Public Library. The Prudential Center is also very close.
NJPAC has one of the largest arts education programs in the country. These programs offer classes, scholarships, and special events. Students, teachers, and families can learn from professional artists. They can explore different types of music, theater, dance, and poetry.
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Explore the Performance Halls
NJPAC has several different spaces for performances:
- Prudential Hall: This is the largest hall with 2,800 seats. It has four levels of seating. This hall is often used for opera, ballet, and symphony concerts. It can also host Broadway shows. The stage can be changed to fit different types of performances.
- Victoria Theatre: This theater has 514 seats. It is used for plays, jazz concerts, and modern dance. It can also host popular music shows. The theater has special curtains to control how sound travels.
- The Chase Room: This room has 350 seats. It is known for its cabaret shows and hip hop festivals. It also hosts spoken word events.
- Horizon Theater: This is a smaller, flexible theater with 88 seats. It is called a "black box" theater because it can be set up in many different ways.
A Look at NJPAC's History
The idea for a world-class performing arts center in New Jersey started in 1986. Leaders decided to build it in Newark. They chose Newark because many people live nearby. It was also close to New York City and easy to reach by highways and trains. A very important reason was to help make Newark a stronger city. NJPAC aimed to bring people back to the city and create jobs.
The planners wanted NJPAC to be a part of the city, not separate from it. They designed plazas and walkways to connect the center with the city streets. This was different from older projects that used overhead walkways.
Barton Myers was chosen as the main architect. He designed the building to fit in with Newark's industrial past. He used materials like brick, steel, and glass. Construction began in 1995 and finished in 1997. When it opened, critics praised NJPAC. The New Yorker magazine said it had one of the best modern concert halls.
Exciting Shows and Events
Since NJPAC opened, many famous artists and groups have performed there. These include musicians, dancers, and comedians. Some well-known performers include Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Diana Krall, and Jerry Seinfeld. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Boston Symphony Orchestra have also performed.
The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra performs a regular season at NJPAC. NJPAC has welcomed over 9 million visitors since 1997. This includes 1 million children!
NJPAC also works with other groups. In 2017, NJPAC partnered with Madison Marquette. This partnership helps bring live shows and arts education to Asbury Park, New Jersey.
NJPAC offers many free events too. These include dance workshops for all ages and concerts by talented musicians.
Festivals and Special Events
NJPAC hosts several exciting festivals and events each year.
TD James Moody Jazz Festival
The James Moody Jazz Festival happens every year. It started in 2012 to honor James Moody (saxophonist), a famous jazz musician from Newark.
North to Shore Festival
NJPAC helps put on the North to Shore festival. This festival takes place every year in Newark, Asbury Park, and Atlantic City.
Other Fun Events
The Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival has been held at NJPAC. This festival brings together poets and poetry lovers. NJPAC also hosted the reality show America's Got Talent in 2012.
Every summer, NJPAC holds a free outdoor music festival. It's called Horizon Foundation Sounds of the City. These free concerts happen in NJPAC's Theater Square every Thursday in July and August.
NJPAC also partners with Fairleigh Dickinson University for the "New Jersey Speaker Series." This event brings famous speakers to Newark. Past speakers have included former U.S. President Bill Clinton.
NJPAC's Center for Arts Education
The Center for Arts Education is right next to NJPAC. This building has classrooms and offices for NJPAC's education programs. It was updated in 2001. The center has a theater, dance studios, classrooms, and practice rooms. It is used all year long for classes and staff.
Women's Association of NJPAC
The Women's Association of NJPAC (WA) was started in 1994, before the building even opened. This group has raised over $50 million for NJPAC and its education programs. They have about 2,000 members. The WA raises money through events like the Spotlight Gala and the Spring Luncheon.
Transportation to NJPAC
It's easy to get to NJPAC! The Newark Light Rail opened a station right at NJPAC in 2006. The NJPAC/Center Street station connects to Broad Street Station and Penn Station Newark.
Lionsgate Newark Studios
In 2022, NJPAC announced a partnership to create a major new film and television studio. It is called "Lionsgate Newark Studios." This studio opened in 2024. It is located near Weequahic Park in Newark. NJPAC works with the studio on community projects.
The ArtSide Project
In 2024, NJPAC started a big project called The ArtSide. This $336 million plan will build new homes, shops, and an arts hub on NJPAC's campus in Newark.
See also
- New Jersey music venues by capacity
- Newark Symphony Hall
- List of concert halls
