Expansion of the Performing Arts School (formerly known as beyondEDUCATION)

bergenPAC received a grant to expand our arts education program beyondEDUCATION. beyondEDUCATION, now known as The Performing Arts School at bergenPAC, was created in 2010 to revitalize bergenPAC’s Arts Education and Community Outreach program. beyondEDUCATION provides students living in northern New Jersey, ages 2 ½ months to 21 years old, with unique and “hands-on” training in the performing arts by industry professionals. Initiatives include after school and summer classes, artist talk backs, workshops, school residencies, live performances, student productions and ensembles. The Performing Arts School is separated into three schools that focus on a variety of performing arts disciplines.

Support from the Puffin Foundation was used to support beyondTHEATER, which featured a series of after school and summer programs where students mount musical and dramatic works, attend classes in acting, improvisation, vocal, and audition technique, and learn about theater and the professional process. Ensemble and production opportunities include the One-Act Showcase and Summer Musical where students are guided by staff and industry professionals through the process of production from audition to conceptualization. Students are encouraged to take leadership roles and rely on each other to ensure the project comes to fruition.