Broadway talent to headline SOPAC’s new ‘Cabaret in the Loft’ series

Broadway talent to headline SOPAC’s new ‘Cabaret in the Loft’ series

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — Two Broadway stars and New Jersey residents will headline South Orange Performing Arts Center’s new “Cabaret in the Loft” series, a 54 Below–esque experience, west of the Hudson River. On Sunday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m., Ginna Claire Mason opens this series with a specially curated performance, “Dream a Little Dream: […]

SOPAC to hold 2022 gala at Orange Lawn Tennis Club

SOPAC to hold 2022 gala at Orange Lawn Tennis Club

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — On Saturday, Nov. 5, at 6 p.m., patrons, community leaders and artists will gather at the Orange Lawn Tennis Club, 305 N. Ridgewood Road in South Orange, for the South Orange Performing Arts Center’s 2022 gala. The event is SOPAC’s largest fundraiser of the year. Guests will enjoy an elegant evening […]

SOPAC announces Stephen Beaudoin as new executive director

SOPAC announces Stephen Beaudoin as new executive director

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — The South Orange Performing Arts Center has named Stephen Beaudoin as the organization’s new executive director. Beaudoin will usher in SOPAC’s 2022-23 season as he takes the helm of the award-winning arts nonprofit organization, which boasts the 439-seat Jennifer & Tony Leitner Performance Hall, 2,185 square-foot Loft and the Herb + […]

Experience a new abstract art exhibition by a Maplewood-based artist at SOPAC

Experience a new abstract art exhibition by a Maplewood-based artist at SOPAC

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — The Herb + Milly Iris Gallery at SOPAC kicks off a new season of exhibitions with “Rhapsody in Color: Aida Jones Abstract Paintings,” a series of vivid, energetic abstract paintings from the Maplewood-based artist. The exhibition is on display from Sept. 15 through Nov. 6. An opening reception for “Rhapsody in […]

Arthouse Film Festival moves to South Orange

Arthouse Film Festival moves to South Orange

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — Arthouse Film Festival is moving! After 25 years at AMC Mountainside, the festival will unspool for 10 weeks, beginning Sept. 19, at The Village at SOPAC, located in the South Orange Performing Arts Center, 1 SOPAC Way. Festival founder and director Chuck Rose, who grew up in Maplewood, is excited to […]

SOPAC announces new board leadership and governors

SOPAC announces new board leadership and governors

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — On July 1, the South Orange Performing Arts Center’s board of governors installed Douglas Newman as chairperson and Marc Chalom as vice chairperson. In addition, Katherine Tooley, James Davis III and Dean Kameros recently joined SOPAC’s board. “I am honored and humbled by SOPAC’s board electing me as its chair,” Newman […]

SOPAC executive director ends tenure at performing arts center

SOPAC executive director ends tenure at performing arts center

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — South Orange Performing Arts Center’s board Chairperson Douglas Newman announced July 28 that SOPAC’s executive director, Dee Billia, recently left her position after years of senior leadership. Billia joined SOPAC nine years ago as director of external relations and led its marketing and communications efforts. Her many achievements included building annual […]

South Orange Performing Arts Center’s spring appeal raises $65,000

South Orange Performing Arts Center’s spring appeal raises $65,000

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — The South Orange Performing Arts Center’s spring appeal for fiscal year 2022 raised $65,000. That sum includes $40,000 in donations and a $25,000 match from Edrington, a company based in Glasgow, Scotland, that makes and sells whisky and other spirits. “We are eternally grateful to Edrington for their ongoing generosity and […]

SOPAC celebrates volunteers at 2022 awards ceremony

SOPAC celebrates volunteers at 2022 awards ceremony

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — On Wednesday, June 29, the South Orange Performing Arts Center honored its 50-person team of volunteers with a tropical-themed party and awards ceremony.  “You’re the people who make SOPAC run,” said Alicia Whavers, director of audience services. “I’m humbled by the work that you do.” The SOPAC volunteer program offers a […]

Young artist exhibition showcases renewed creativity post-pandemic lockdown

Young artist exhibition showcases renewed creativity post-pandemic lockdown

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — The “Inspired Minds: Young Artist Exhibition” is a visual arts program designed to nurture and enrich the next generation by celebrating young artists in the region. This annual program provides a comprehensive, professional gallery experience to art students from submission, selection, exhibition and possible sale of their artwork. This year, “Inspired […]