Who We Are
In November 2003, the City of White Plains fulfilled a 20 year dream with the opening of a 410-seat, state-of-the-art, professional Equity* theatre located on the third floor of the City Center building in downtown White Plains. An integral part of the revitalization and renaissance of downtown White Plains, White Plains Performing Arts Center was built to provide the community access to a full array of performing arts programs and activities year-round.
*ACTORS EQUITY ASSOCIATION
What We Do
Through a combination of self-produced, professional theatrical productions as well as presentation of nationally and internationally known performing artists and companies in the disciplines of theatre, dance, music, stand-up comedy and children’s programming; WPPAC provides residents of White Plains and the surrounding communities an easily accessible, intimate and comfortable setting to see LIVE entertainment in the heart of Westchester County.
The theater also provides a professional space for rentals to local arts and educational organizations, special interest groups and businesses to present their own performances and host meetings for a reasonable rate with the assistance of a professional staff. These organizations not only secure a professional venue for their event but also provide a diverse roster of artists and opportunities for many culturally specific communities.
In addition, the White Plains Performing Arts Center’s EDUCATION DEPARTMENT is the ONLY educational theatre program in residence at a professional theatre in all of Westchester. The Education Department is a professional training and presentation program offered year-round for all theatrical artists between the ages of 10-25.
Our Mission Statement
The White Plains Performing Arts Center (WPPAC) is a vital resource for dynamic cultural and educational programming in Westchester County and its surrounding communities. We produce and present critically acclaimed professional theatre, music, dance, family programming and special community events with a commitment to education that is reflected in the training and development of young artists through multi-disciplinary study and performance. WPPAC is dedicated to artistic presentation of the highest caliber that moves, inspires, challenges and educates our audiences in an ever-changing, modern world.
Our Artistic Vision
WPPAC delivers a live experience that is immediate and visceral. As an artistic community of diverse, collaborative artists, we collectively explore the human condition while presenting vibrant, provocative material. We are a cultural institution that unites as it delights, educates as it entertains and nurtures the development of new artistry in a risk-free, safe and supportive environment.
Like the city of White Plains we are ambitious, progressive, engaged and growing rapidly while preserving what makes us a unique arts institution located right outside the cultural hub of New York City.
Voices are lifted. Souls ascend. And the light burns bright.
Our Education Initiative
The WPPAC Education Department strives to be the epicenter for theatrical education in Westchester County. We engage youth in theatrical training that empowers them to unleash their imaginations and access their own artistic expression and aesthetic development. For some students this means greater self-confidence, stronger public speaking and higher self-esteem. For others, this is shown in an increase of pre-professional, artistic skills.
We hold our students to the highest professional standards while providing them the tools necessary to meet those standards.