Bergen Performing Arts Center

The Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) is a theater of and for the community that it serves throughout northern New Jersey, by being a creative focus, educational resource, and engine of economic vitality. A not-for-profit organization, bergenPAC’s mission is to make the live performing arts accessible to the entire population – building a creative home that guides and liberates the imagination of our young, inspires and expands the lives of our adults, and attracts established and emerging artists of excellence and relevance.

The Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) was conceived in the echoing corridors, empty rehearsal rooms and grand performance hall of the former John Harms Center, which closed to the shock and heartbreak of Bergen County’s large community of culture lovers, families and students.

From 1976 to 2003, the John Harms Center grew to become the one of the largest performing arts centers in New Jersey. It was unquestionably one of the leading cultural institutions in the state. With unparalleled vintage acoustics, the auditorium hosted world-class events.

In April 2003, a group of concerned citizens, headed by Englewood resident Frank Huttle III, formed bergenPAC and developed a business plan to forge a true public/private partnership, engaging all sectors of the community and bringing together corporations, governments and residents, each adding the committment and support necessary to revitalize this unique arts center.

Education

Education always a cornerstone of the John Harms Center, has an even more important role as the bergenPAC comes to life and expands community programs to serve area schools with the magic of live theatrical performances, master classes with visiting artists, and skills training in the performing and recording arts. The Performing Arts School, which had to limit classes to 500 students each year, introduced professional-level acting, music, dance and – most importantly – confidence-building skills to underserved and at-risk children. Its talented children performed throughout Bergen County at hospitals, nursing homes and schools. The Performing Arts School will once again become a key aspect of bergenPAC’s programs.

Rentals

When not presenting its own performances, the bergenPAC is available to civic, religious, community and performing arts organizations on a rental basis. (See Rental Information). And, unique in the country, bergenPAC is seamlessly integrated with Bennett Studios, a state-of-the-art recording facility, by a 64-channel broadband fiber-optic connection. This unique facility is ideal for surround-sound remastering, DVD production, and live broadcasting. (See Bennett Studios).

VIP Intermezzo Cabaret

Other unique amenities include the VIP Intermezzo Cabaret, suitable for hosting private pre-theater, intermission or post-theater refreshments or dining for sponsors and special events, as well as for poetry/theatrical readings, meetings and art films. Seats 60-100. Available for rentals.


Intermission Gallery

On the balcony mezzanine is the Intermission Gallery, hosting art exhibits by the region’s major and up-and-coming artists. Shows change monthly and 30% of all sales are contributed by the artists to bergenPAC. [Current Exhibit]


Accessibility

The main floor is accessible to patrons using wheelchairs.

Infrared Hearing Assist Systems

In order to make your experience at the Bergen Performing Arts Center more enjoyable, infrared hearing systems are available free of charge from a House Manager in the Lobby.

Smoking/Cell Phones

bergenPAC is a non-smoking facility. Smoking is permitted outside of the building. Cell phones must be turned off or switched to vibration mode.

Admission

Lobby doors open one hour prior to the announced time of each performance. Theater doors open at least 15 minutes prior to curtain. Latecomers are seated at the discretion of the management. bergenPAC reserves the right to refuse admission or remove from the facility individuals who are disturbing to performers or audience members.