South Orange
New Jersey
South Orange Performing Arts Center
About Us:
The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) is a state-of-the-art performing arts center in South Orange, New Jersey featuring Singer-Songwriters, Blues, Jazz, Comedy, Theatre, Dance, and so much more.
SOPAC is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization that delivers artistic, educational, and innovative experiences within an intimate, inviting environment, and promotes regional involvement in the arts, serving as a catalyst for economic development and continued revitalization of South Orange’s downtown business district. The SOPAC facility consists of an intimate 415-seat performance hall in addition to the spectacular SOPAC Loft which hosts a variety of live performances, community events and education programs. The 5 movie theaters at SOPAC are operated by Bow-Tie Cinemas.
SOPAC is home of Seton Hall University Arts Council performances, including the Classical Concert Series, Jazz in the Hall performances and Seton Hall Theatre productions. SOPAC partners with the Juilliard School of Music to present the Juilliard @ SOPAC series featuring upcoming musicians from the acclaimed conservatory. SOPAC presents performances by its theatre company in residence, Midtown Direct Rep, and its dance company in residence, Lydia Johnson Dance.
Recent News
7 Holiday Shows at SOPAC This December
The most wonderful time of the year is almost here! Enjoy songs of the season all December long at the South Orange Performing Arts Center. Experience a raucous, razzle dazzle celebration with the Hot Sardines…
Read More »Meet the Lineup: November 2 Laughs in the Loft at SOPAC
On Wednesday, November 2, four comics take the stage in the SOPAC Loft. SOPAC has a cure for the midweek slump—laughter! It is the best medicine, after all. On every first Wednesday of the month, settle in for an evening of laugh-out-loud…
Read More »Broadway’s Ginna Claire Mason and Mark Evans Headline SOPAC’s New Cabaret in the Loft Series
Ginna Claire Mason and Mark Evans Liza Minnelli playing Sally Bowles said it best: What good is sitting/Alone in your room?/Come hear the music play/Life is a cabaret, old chum/Come to the cabaret Two Broadway stars and New Jersey residents…
Read More »SOPAC Announces 2022 Gala
Join the arts organization at the Orange Lawn Tennis Club for a night of Broadway entertainment, a live auction and more in support of arts education. Patrons, community leaders and artists will gather at the Orange Lawn Tennis Club for the South…
Read More »Meet the Lineup: October 5 Laughs in the Loft at SOPAC
On Wednesday, October 5, four comics take the stage in the SOPAC Loft. Need something to look forward to on Hump Day? Head to SOPAC for Laughs in the Loft (https://www.sopacnow.org/events/laughs-in-the-loft/) , a stand-up series that Baristanet…
Read More »12 Shows Coming Up This Fall at SOPAC
Fall means crisp weather, beautiful foliage and an eclectic lineup of entertainment at SOPAC. Spend October and November at the South Orange Performing Arts Center (https://www.sopacnow.org/events/) , where you’ll see an SNL veteran, the High…
Read More »SOPAC Announces Stephen Beaudoin as New Executive Director
The South Orange Performing Arts Center (https://www.sopacnow.org/) has named Stephen Beaudoin—a community-focused, inclusivity-driven performing arts executive—as the organization's new Executive Director. Beaudoin will usher in SOPAC's…
Read More »September 7 Laughs in the Loft at SOPAC
What’s so special about September 7? Yes, sadly, it is the unofficial end of summer, but it’s also the first Laughs in the Loft (https://www.sopacnow.org/events/laughs-in-the-loft/) show of the SOPAC 2022-2023 Season. And, the passing of…
Read More »Singer-Songwriters Coming to SOPAC
Americana, Folk, Bluegrass, Country and more—the South Orange Performing Arts Center’s lineup of Singer-Songwriters (https://www.sopacnow.org/series/singer-songwriters/) includes compelling Grammy winners and skilled acoustic…
Read More »Comedy Shows Coming Up at SOPAC
See Ryan Hamilton, Maria Bamford, Kevin Nealon and Paul Reiser this fall. Ryan Hamilton, Maria Bamford, Kevin Nealon and Paul Reiser A clean comedian, “the funniest woman in the world,” an SNL veteran and a 90s sitcom star walk…
Read More »SOPAC Announces 2022-2023 Season
A legendary voice of love, “the funniest woman in the world,” a forefather of Funk, an SNL veteran, the High Priestess of R&B, and the king and queen of the banjo—these are just a few of the 40 highly anticipated acts in the…
Read More »SOPAC Announces New Board Leadership and Governors
On July 1, 2022, the South Orange Performing Arts Center’s Board of Governors installed Douglas Newman as Board Chair and Marc Chalom as Board Vice Chair. In addition, Katherine Tooley, James Davis, III, Esq. and Dean Kameros recently joined…
Read More »SOPAC Spring Appeal Raises $65,000
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. "We are eternally grateful to Edrington for their ongoing generosity and…
Read More »SOPAC Celebrates Volunteers at 2022 Awards Ceremony
Organization honors 50-person volunteer team—“the superpower of SOPAC.” 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. …
Read More »Meet the Lineup: July 6 Laughs in the Loft at SOPAC
Four comics take the stage in the SOPAC Loft. On the first Wednesday of every month, SOPAC's Loft turns into a comedy club during this New York City-style stand-up showcase. Get to know the lineup: Jason Salmon…
Read More »7 Shows Coming Up in June at SOPAC
The South Orange Performing Arts Center (https://www.sopacnow.org/) rounds out its 16th season with seven mainstage shows in June. See many genres of live entertainment, including Comedy, Jazz, Rock/Pop, Country and more. Visit SOPACnow.org for more…
Read More »SOPAC is SO Back! Ribbon-Cutting Celebrates Hurricane Ida Renovation Completion
Leadership reflects on the past and looks towards the future during ceremony. On Wednesday, May 25, the South Orange Performing Arts Center (https://www.sopacnow.org/), Cinema Lab (https://sopac.cinemalab.com/), the township of South Orange…
Read More »9 Singer-Songwriter Shows Coming Up at SOPAC
Gifted guitarists, legendary songwriters and soulful vocalists—SOPAC’s Singer-Songwriters (https://www.sopacnow.org/events/?search_type=event_class&s=&mc_series=singer-songwriters) lineup includes many talented artists from…
Read More »SOPAC Receives Grant from Investors Foundation for Arts Education Programs
The South Orange Performing Arts Center recently received a $5,000 grant from the Investors Foundation. The grant will help further SOPAC's Arts Education Programs, which invest in students and future artists by providing arts instruction in…
Read More »12 Shows Coming Up in May and June at SOPAC
Spend spring and summer at the South Orange Performing Arts Center, where you’ll see “the most exacting of the Zeppelin tribute bands in existence,” the 85-year-old Madman of Salsa, “the poet laureate of Louisiana’s…
Read More »Meet the Lineup: May 4 Laughs in the Loft at SOPAC
Cackle, giggle, snicker, chuckle—however you like to laugh, these comedians will have you cracking up. Settle in for an evening of side-splitting comedy during SOPAC’s monthly Laughs in the Loft…
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