Arts & Learning Conservatory

The Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) is a prominent cultural institution located in the New Jersey/New York metropolitan area, renowned for its contributions to the performing arts and arts education. Established as a nonprofit IRC 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, bergenPAC's mission is to make live performing arts and arts education accessible to a diverse community. It aims to serve as a creative hub for artists and teachers of excellence, providing entertainment, enlightenment, inspiration, and information to audiences and students alike. bergenPAC has a storied history, with its roots tracing back to the Englewood Plaza movie theater, which opened on November 22, 1926. The venue transitioned through various phases, including being purchased by United Artists in 1967 and operating until its closure in 1973. It was revitalized as the John Harms Center on October 10, 1976, under the leadership of John Harms, with a performance by Russian pianist Lazar Berman. The center became one of New Jersey's largest performing arts venues before its closure on April 14, 2003, which left a significant void in the region's cultural landscape. In response to the closure, a dedicated group of individuals, led by its founder Frank Huttle III and joined by Edmondo Schwarz, Robert Cook, Sam Mann, Chris Yegen, and Donald Aronson, worked tirelessly to preserve this special theater. Their efforts culminated in the reopening of the venue as the Bergen Performing Arts Center in the fall of 2004, with Tony Bennett performing at the inaugural gala. The reopening of bergenPAC marked the beginning of a new era, with the theater quickly becoming a hub for live performances and recordings. It established a partnership with the former Bennett Studios, linking the theater's vintage acoustic hall with a state-of-the-art recording studio. This unique setup allowed bergenPAC to host Grammy Award-winning recordings and live worldwide televised productions in collaboration with Sony. bergenPAC's campus also includes the bergenPAC Performing Arts School, which serves as a premier arts education institution for students aged 2 to 18. The school is committed to inclusivity, ensuring that no student is ever turned away due to financial constraints. Moreover, bergenPAC's Community Arts Access Program extends its reach by partnering with social agencies to donate performance tickets to those in the community who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience live shows. In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced bergenPAC to close its doors temporarily, but the organization quickly adapted by offering virtual programming and instruction. This flexibility allowed bergenPAC to continue its vital role in the community throughout the pandemic. In 2021, bergenPAC hosted a renowned virtual gala featuring notable artists such as Paul Anka, Aly Stroker, Jack Antanoff, John Fogerty, Darlene Love, Itzhak Perlman, and Dionne Warwick, along with students from the Performing Arts School. A significant milestone was achieved in 2022 when bergenPAC completed a historic restoration of the Main Hall, preserving the theater's original 1926 architecture and design. The restoration included meticulous hand-painted details, comfortable new seating, and state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems. bergenPAC continues to thrive as a center for the arts, embodying the ethos "Our Home Is Your Home," and remains dedicated to enhancing the quality of life through the arts, promoting equity within the community, and fostering the talent of tomorrow.