Union City Performing Arts Center | Union City

The Union City Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) is a modern, multipurpose cultural venue located within Union City High School at 2500 Kennedy Boulevard in Union City, New Jersey. This facility was inaugurated in October 2009 as part of a larger effort to modernize both the educational and cultural infrastructure of the city. Designed with community integration in mind, it functions both as a hub for student arts and a public venue for broader cultural, civic, and artistic events.

The center is built around a professional-grade auditorium that seats approximately 910 people. The space includes tiered seating to ensure clear views from every angle, a large proscenium stage, and a state-of-the-art lighting and sound system that meets the technical standards of commercial performance venues. Full backstage facilities are available, including dressing rooms, costume and prop storage, and control booths. The space is not just functional for performances but also engineered to support rehearsals, technical training, and multi-use programming.

Adjacent to the main theater is a black-box theater, a smaller and more flexible space used for experimental theater, community workshops, poetry readings, small-scale concerts, and various civic meetings. This black-box venue allows for customized stage arrangements, making it suitable for intimate productions and educational demonstrations.

The Union City Performing Arts Center serves a wide array of functions. Within the academic framework, it is the primary performance space for the high school’s arts programs. It hosts theatrical productions, dance recitals, choral concerts, jazz band performances, talent showcases, and seasonal celebrations. It is also integrated into the academic curriculum as a hands-on learning lab for students studying lighting, sound design, stagecraft, and performance.

Beyond its role in education, the center actively serves the community. It regularly hosts events such as the Union City International Film Festival, Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, civic meetings, career fairs, and health forums. It has been the venue for municipal ceremonies, including the mayor’s swearing-in and public town hall events. Its opening ceremony featured a grand cultural presentation, including musical ensembles, folkloric dances, and over 160 artworks exhibited throughout the building.

The facility emphasizes inclusivity and cultural representation, often inviting guest artists, lecturers, and performing groups to share their work with both students and the public. Many programs are bilingual and serve the city's diverse population. In doing so, the center not only supports the creative growth of students but also strengthens the cultural fabric of Union City.

While Union City also hosts the historic Park Performing Arts Center on 32nd Street-a 1,400-seat venue known for hosting the nation's longest-running Passion Play and a wide range of professional shows-the UCPAC plays a different, more integrated role. It is modern rather than historic, educationally focused rather than commercially driven, and community-centered in both programming and access.

Overall, the Union City Performing Arts Center exemplifies how a school-based venue can transcend its original academic function to become a vital cultural institution. By combining educational purpose with public access, the UCPAC enriches both the lives of students and the broader community, serving as a space where art, learning, and civic life intersect on a daily basis.