bergenPAC's Performing Arts School Expands with Former Bennett Studios

The Performing Arts School at bergenPAC is working with the Englewood Economic Development Corporation and the City of Englewood to expand the Performing Arts School to accommodate growth and drive positive economic impact to the City.

With last night's approval, The Bergen Performing Art Center will now lease the vacant former Bennett Studios, which closed in September 2011, and use the building as the new home for arts education and performing arts classes. The Performing Arts School currently offers 57 Classes in Dance, 20 Classes in Theater, 12 Classes in Music, and 23 Music Speaks classes for a combined total of 112 classes on a weekly basis. With the addition of this new building, the Performing Arts School will now offer a combined total of 182 classes, a 63% increase.

Over the last few years bergenPAC's performing arts programs have grown tremendously and this new space will be critical in accommodating future growth. "We are thrilled about the new possibilities this building will provide us," says Edmondo Schwartz, Chairman of the Board at bergenPAC. "This building gives us the space to open up our programming to children with special needs as well as expand our growing performing arts curriculum in a first class facility."

Schwartz believes this expansion will have a huge positive impact on the community. "The expansion of the Performing Arts School exemplifies our commitment to the arts and the children that live in our community. The Performing Arts School is opened to children of all ages in Englewood, Northern New Jersey and throughout the region, offering unparalleled arts education classes taught by top professionals in their craft. "With additional space and its proximity to the Theater, North Van Brunt Street will become the 'Avenue of the Arts' in Englewood."

Englewood Mayor Frank Huttle III and bergenPAC's Honorary Chairman stated, "The new bergenPAC Performing Arts School, at one of our City's significant historical buildings, truly is a dream come true for me. The idea of expanding the scope of bergenPAC and providing arts education for all children regardless of their age, ability or financial status, is 7 years in the making. The partnership with the EEDC gives bergenPAC the tools to further fulfill its mission for every child to have access to the highest levels of performing arts education right in our very own community. Both during the day and in 'after 3' programs, children will benefit in every facet of their lives"

The new space will offer 2 Dance Studios (1 Studio will be multifunctional and be able to work as a cabaret space, black box theater, and kidz cabaret performance hall), 1 Music Speaks Studio, 1 Acting Studio, 6 Private Music Lesson Studios, 1 Kitchen (for private events), 3 Administrative Offices, and 1 Basement and Sub Basement for storage.