In November 2003, the City of White Plains fulfilled a 20 year dream with the opening of a 410-seat state-of-the-art theatre located downtown White Plains. An integral part of the revitalization of downtown White Plains, the White Plains Performing Arts Center was built to provide the community with access to a full array of performing arts programs and activities year-round. Through a combination of theatrical self-produced productions and presentations of nationally and internationally known performing artists and companies in the disciplines of dance, music, children’s programs and other performances, the WPPAC provides the residents of White Plains and surrounding communities an intimate and comfortable setting to see a show.
The WPPAC also provides a professional theatre for local arts organizations and groups to rent to present their performances or to host their meetings in an intimate setting.
Over the past several years, the WPPAC has hosted numerous performers and performances including: “Ambassador Satch” starring Tony-Award winner Andre de Shields, “A Christmas Carol”, “Swango”, “All Under Heaven” starring Valerie Harper, “If You Ever Leave Me, I’m Going With You” starring Renee Taylor and Joe Bologna, Ballet Los Pampas, Theodore Bikel, and The Bacon Brothers. The WPPAC has produced critically acclaimed productions of “Man of La Mancha” starring Robert Cuccioli, “Ragtime”, “Camelot”, “Oliver!” and “A Little Night Music” starring Penny Fuller and Mark Jacoby. The family programming has included the The Flying Karamazov Brothers, Syren Modern Dance Company, “Pippi Longstocking”, “Peter and the Wolf”, “Seussical” and the Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats.
Some of the organizations that have rented the theatre include: Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization; Playgroup Theatre Company, the Music Conservatory of Westchester Mentoring Orchestra and Summer Theatre Program; Berkeley College New Student Orientation and Carlos Jimenez Latin Jazz Concert. The WPPAC has also hosted benefit concerts for the Ronald McDonald House; Pace Women’s Justice Center, St. Joseph’s Medical Center, and Tsunami & Haitian Relief organized by the City of White Plains Youth Bureau. The organizations that rent the theatre not only secure a professional venue for their event but also provide a diverse roster of artists and opportunities for many culturally specific communities to participate in programs at the WPPAC.
The White Plains Performing Arts Center Conservatory Theatre is in residence at the White Plains Performing Arts Center and is a professional training and presentation program for all theatrical artists between the ages of 10-25, offering year-round. Professional training for the stars of today, tomorrow and beyond…
The WPPAC is constantly working to establish itself as a premier venue for the performing arts in White Plains and Westchester County – live entertainment in the heart of Westchester County.
