Union County Performing Arts Center

Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC), formerly the Rahway Theatre, is a non-profit performance venue in Rahway, New Jersey. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.[2] UCPAC is the site of the annual Rahway International Film Festival.[3]

Rahway Theatre
Facade of the Rahway Theatre
Location1601 Irving St., Rahway, New Jersey
Coordinates40°36′37″N 74°16′39″W
Built1927 (1927)
ArchitectDavid M Oltarsh
Architectural styleClassical Revival
Websitewww.ucpac.org
NRHP reference No.86001509
NJRHP No.2714[1]
Significant dates
Added to NRHPAugust 13, 1986
Designated NJRHPJune 24, 1986

History

It was founded as the vaudeville venue and silent movie house Rahway Theater in 1928 as the nation's first “million dollar” movie palace.[4] It contains an original, working, fully restored[5] Wurlitzer pipe organ which was placed on the American Theatre Organ Society's National Registry of Significant Instruments.[6] It is an example of "Movie Palace" architecture, designed in the classical revival style by New York architect David M. Oltarsh.

In 2006, at the behest of Rahway's then-mayor James J. Kennedy, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invested $6.2 million in the renovation of the UCPAC Mainstage (Rahway Theater). The building fell into dilapidation as a movie house in the 1970s. It was reopened by local nonprofit preservation group in 1984,[7] and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

Facilities

The UCPAC campus includes four performance spaces:

Mainstage

Capacity: 1334

Hamilton Stage

Built in 2012 abutting the Rahway River several hundred feet to the west of Mainstage, the Hamilton Stage features a new fully equipped proscenium theater.

Capacity: 199

The Loft at Mainstage

Capacity: 65. Built in 2008, the Loft at UCPAC is located on the 2nd floor addition of the UCPAC Mainstage.

The Fazioli Room at Hamilton Stage

This 40’ x 60’ rehearsal space has floor-to-ceiling conservatory windows and wall-length mirrors on one side. It holds 55-75 (at maximum).

This room contains a Fazioli piano, one of only two in New Jersey.[8]

The Café at UCPAC

Hosts the Jazz Club at UCPAC.

Programming

Well-known acts have included Vanessa Williams,[9] Doug E. Fresh, and Slick Rick.[10]

Rahway Arts District

UCPAC hosts many art galleries, converted industrial warehouse spaces, and rehearsal/studio space.

Rahway Residence for the Arts

The city of Rahway and UCPAC in association with the Actors Fund is in the process of building safe affordable housing for artists only. Tenant applicants will need to submit a portfolio of work to indicate their vocation.[11]

Transportation

UCPAC is walking distance to the direct train at Rahway Station to New York Penn Station. The ride is 38 minutes.

References
  1. "New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places - Union County" (PDF). New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection - Historic Preservation Office. November 28, 2016. p. 9. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 16, 2014. Retrieved 2016-12-10.
  2. "NATIONAL REGISTER DIGITAL ASSETS". focus.nps.gov. Retrieved 2016-12-10.
  3. http://www.rahwayfilmfest.com/
  4. 1928 Wurlitzer pipe organ that 'saved' Union County arts center plays again http://s.nj.com/YcwCJSU.
  5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHfgA6dVUcQ&sns=tw via @youtube
  6. "ATOS National Registry | ATOS". www.atos.org. Retrieved 2016-12-10.
  7. "Freeholders Unveil Arts Center".
  8. At a Jazz Series, a Piano Also Stars https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/17/nyregion/at-a-nj-jazz-series-a-fazioli-piano-also-stars.html
  9. Union County Performing Arts Center welcomes Vanessa Williams on Nov. 25 http://s.nj.com/YIqoRVN
  10. Hip-hop legends will 'Get Fresh' at UCPAC in Rahway on May 15 http://s.nj.com/wkeIpQg
  11. http://www.rahwayrising.com/artist-housing-gains-final-site-plan-approval/
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