SOPAC Makes The Scene
On November 3, 2006, the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) opened its doors to the public, permanently changing the scene in South Orange and adding to the landscape of arts leaders in New Jersey.
Almost 10 years in the making, SOPAC evolved from an idea of then Village of South Orange President Bill Calabrese to bring a movie theater to town. After further discussions and exploration, he championed a bigger dream – to establish and open a full performing arts center. The center would present elite artists in an intimate theater and feature cinema and event space. It would create jobs, offer arts education and spur new partnerships. Finally it would anchor the downtown business district, become a community gathering point and a regional point of arts pride.
SOPAC has achieved those goals in just a short time. In its first ten months, SOPAC featured superstars Nancy Wilson, Olympia Dukakis, Paquito D’Rivera and Yo-Yo Ma among others. Praise came in from media like the New York Times and Star Ledger and from important politicians such as New Jersey’s Senate President, Richard Codey, Essex County Executive Joseph D’Vincenzo and Governor Corzine himself, who selected SOPAC to host a public forum open to all in the state.
SOPAC hosted and co-led cultural planning meetings to help shape the future of South Orange as an arts destination. It created jobs and roles for local youth, professionals and seniors alike and forged new partnerships with Seton Hall University, Clearview Cinemas and local businesses among others. The arts center has hosted private, community and business events in its rental loft space, which is an important site for Arts Inside, the new arts education initiative inaugurated in Season Two.
In recognition of its impact, the Township of South Orange Village selected SOPAC as its Villager of the Month in July, 2007, the first time an organization was awarded the honor. What most impressed the Community Relations Committee is the important role SOPAC plays in bringing the people of South Orange together and creating new opportunities for the community and region at large.
The help and guidance of many people made this progress and recognition possible. Our members, donors and supporters allow us to make it happen for you. Come be a part of history in the making!