Newark, NJ (1888PressRelease)
April 01, 2009 - With theaters, concert halls, and performing arts centers closing their doors every day, one newly opened venue in New Jersey is looking forward to success. Great Falls Performing Arts Center, the largest venue of its kind in Paterson, operates both in tough economic times and an even tougher environment. Yet in the midst of the national recession, Great Falls PAC's directors are still confident in the center's ability to bring in an audience and present successful shows.
A 2007 study found that the Performing Arts industry and the audience it serves generates $166 billion in economic activity each year and supports nearly 6 millions jobs. Yet with the recession in full swing, Americans for the Arts, a national non-profit organization, reports that as many as 10,000 arts centers - as many as 10% - have closed nationwide.
Paterson, New Jersey maintains a number of smaller, church and community based arts organizations and until the opening of Great Falls PAC the largest of these was the Passaic County Community College campus theater, which seats approximately 400 audience members. By contrast, Great Falls PAC seats 1,250 and is located in the historic former Temple Emanuel building funded by movie mogul Jacob Fabian in 1929.
"In a community this large and diverse, it's surprising our venue isn't sold out for every concert" said Great Falls PAC Director Michael Stengart, "But this will come with time. The people of Paterson and surrounding communities aren't aware of our existence yet, they aren't used to it. There isn't anything like this in the area; there isn't even a movie theater within Paterson's city limits".
Most recently, Great Falls PAC hosted a Jazz concert on March 21st featuring Newark and Paterson natives Carrie Jackson and Gil "Bop" Benson. Great Falls PAC is presenting Jazz legend Bucky Pizzarelli and Jerry Bruno on April 4th. Pizzarelli, who was born and raised in Paterson and is emeritus faculty at William Paterson University, will be performing "more out of his good will and for the sake of Paterson" rather than the fees Great Falls PAC can afford to pay.
Great Falls PAC plans on avoiding the recession by targeting an audience that has been underserved by the arts, with little to no exposure to major performances at larger venues. Typical concert prices range from $10 to $20 for most events and the Center is giving special consideration to local Paterson schools and arts groups looking to perform.
"We're doing what we can and while the odds may be against us, we feel there is a great enough demand in Paterson for a consistent performing arts season. Like they said, 'if you build it, they will come'. Well, we're watching them come", said Stengart.
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