Holiday jewelry sale to benefit the South Orange Public Library

Holiday jewelry sale to benefit the South Orange Public Library

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — The Friends of the South Orange Public Library will hold a holiday jewelry sale to benefit the South Orange Public Library on Saturday, Nov. 13, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Loft of the South Orange Performing Arts Center, 1 SOPAC Way. The sale will feature a large selection of […]

SOPAC Gala to be held virtually and in-person at Drew University

SOPAC Gala to be held virtually and in-person at Drew University

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — The SOPAC Gala brings together patrons, community leaders and artists to celebrate the nonprofit theater’s achievements and pay tribute to supporters. As South Orange Performing Arts Center’s largest fundraising event of the year, the gala raises critical funds for both arts education programs and operating support. Typically held at SOPAC, this […]

SOPAC announces Dee Billia as new executive director

SOPAC announces Dee Billia as new executive director

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — This summer, the South Orange Performing Arts Center named Dee Billia as its new executive director, effective immediately. In this role, Billia presides over the performance series held in SOPAC’s 439-seat main theater, several music and comedy shows that take place in the 2,100-square-foot loft space, the school performance series, various […]

SOPAC to remain closed through Dec. 7 due to storm damage

SOPAC to remain closed through Dec. 7 due to storm damage

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — Just days before the South Orange Performing Arts Center was poised to roll out its 2021-2022 season, the remnants of Hurricane Ida ravaged the nonprofit theater, as well as the surrounding downtown area. In the days immediately following the storm, SOPAC announced that all September shows would be rescheduled. Now, following […]

South Orange PAC boasts diverse lineup for 2021-2022 season

South Orange PAC boasts diverse lineup for 2021-2022 season

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — The wait is over. This fall, the South Orange Performing Arts Center fully reopens. SOPAC’s 2021-2022 season is its most diverse and inclusive yet, featuring musicians from various backgrounds, such as an Israeli superstar, a social justice–focused band, a Ukrainian quartet, various Celtic groups, a hip-hop violinist and a bayou-soul artist.  […]

New Jersey State Council on the Arts approves more than $35.6M in grants

New Jersey State Council on the Arts approves more than $35.6M in grants

TRENTON, NJ — The New Jersey State Council on the Arts recently awarded more than $35.6 million in grants to support more than 700 arts organizations, projects and artists throughout the state. The grants were approved at the Arts Council’s 55th annual meeting, held virtually. The awards are part of the largest state appropriation the […]

Montclair Orchestra partners with Valissima Institute

Montclair Orchestra partners with Valissima Institute

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The Montclair Orchestra has announced that Valissima Institute has selected it as a partner for its pilot summer program. Designed for aspiring young female conductors, the two-week intensive will feature renowned conductors, including former New York Philharmonic music director Alan Gilbert and Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra chief conductor Karina Canellakis. The rigorous […]

SOMA PRIDE is back with a month full of events

SOMA PRIDE is back with a month full of events

SOUTH ORANGE / MAPLEWOOD, NJ — SOMA PRIDE 2021 is a time for South Orange and Maplewood residents to come together as one in celebration of all LGBTQ-plus identities and allies collectively united. The monthlong schedule of events will shine a light on LGBTQ-plus issues with books, films, discussions, performances, picnics and parties, and recognize […]