The modern facilities available to rent at SOPAC include a state-of-the-art 439-seat theatre, an urban-style Loft, and a professional grade kitchen.

The theatre and the Loft are perfectly suited to host a variety of different functions, including small weddings, parties and receptions, meetings, product launches, screenings, rehearsals and live performance events. The kitchen is well equipped for use by fully licensed caterers. The event experts on the SOPAC staff look forward to working closely with you to facilitate your special event.

Ideal Location

SOPAC is only steps away from the South Orange, NJ Transit train station, and a 35-minute ride from New York City on the midtown direct train leaving from Penn Station. Your cast, crew and audience members will enjoy the stores, restaurants and convenience of South Orange Village. SOPAC is also easily accessible by car via I-280, I-78, and the Garden State Parkway.

Shown By Appointment Only

Facility tours are available after an on-line Rental Inquiry Form (below) is submitted. Once completed, email rentals@sopacnow.org to schedule an appointment to tour the SOPAC facilities Monday-Friday, 10AM-4PM.

RENTAL INQUIRY FORM

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The 439-seat proscenium theatre is a dramatic yet intimate venue with a deep stage, full orchestra pit, green room and three modern dressing rooms. It is suited for use by professional performing arts companies for rehearsal and new play development or production, as well as corporations seeking a truly dramatic setting for an impressive presentation. With excellent sight lines, precise state-of-the-art lighting and outstanding sound equipment you will achieve the best experience possible for each member of your audience.

SOPAC’s ideal location paired with an upscale suburban atmosphere and modern facilities offer an attractive and affordable alternative to rehearsal studios and performance spaces in Manhattan.

Shown By Appointment Only

Facility tours are available after an on-line Rental Inquiry Form is submitted. (Please see the link on the left of the screen to submit a form.) Once completed, email rentals@sopacnow.org to schedule an appointment to tour the SOPAC facilities Monday-Friday, 10AM-4PM.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Proscenium opening width: 34’2”
  • Proscenium Opening – Arch height: 18′ 6
  • Proscenium to rear wall (clear): 25’3”
  • Stage Right wing: 7’3″ to wall
  • Stage Left wing:  7’3″, plus a contiguous 17′ x 20′ side stage
  • Apron: installed over orchestra pit 32’w x 6’d
  • Floor: Basket weave sprung floor with 1-1/8″ ply and ¼” Masonite finish layer
  • Pit‐ 6’ x 32’, capacity approx. 10-12 musicians, access is from the house. Please note use of pit requires removal of apron.

415 seats when the orchestra pit is in use.
439 seats with seats installed in the pit area.

Yes. All ticketed rental events must use SOPAC Box Office services. No third party ticket sales are permitted except those contracted with by SOPAC. SOPAC will provide the box office guidelines and pricing upon request.

  • Three modern dressing rooms, each with commode and shower (2 chorus and 1 star)
  • Wardrobe with steamer, iron, washer and dryer
  • Green room with kitchenette

The SOPAC Loft uniquely achieves the perfect balance between spacious and intimate, and it stands alone as the premier venue to host your next birthday or anniversary party, product launch, bar/bat mitzvah, anniversary celebration, pre-show reception and more. Two walls of windows in the Loft offer stunning views of the South Mountain Reservation. Whether you are planning an intimate dinner or a cocktail reception, the sophisticated space at SOPAC offers unique features that will  make any function special.

Click here to view photos of past events as inspiration for your own!

The Loft is an expansive and light-filled 2,170 square-foot space that can accommodate up to 150 guests seated and 225 guests standing.With a sprung hardwood dance floor and a sloping 16′-32′ ceiling, the interior is sleek and modern. The space is equipped with a sound system and a ceiling-mounted projector and screen, perfect for presentations.

Food & Beverage

Adjacent to the Loft is a state-of-the-art kitchen that is available for use by fully licensed caterers. Rental clients are encouraged to choose from a list of preferred caterers who are familiar with SOPAC. Due to our food license requirement, only fully licensed caterers may prepare food in the kitchen.

SOPAC is responsible for alcoholic beverage service if you wish to have a bar or alcohol served at your event. Bringing in your own alcohol, whether purchased or donated, is not permitted per our license. Please ask our Facility Rentals Manager for more information about bar packages.

Insurance

All renters are required to acquire event liability insurance. A Tenant Users Liability Insurance Policy (TULIP) for $1,000,000 coverage are sometimes offered through your own insurance companies or may be purchased easily on-line. We recommend using OneBeacon Entertainment, a AAA-rated insurance company.

Shown By Appointment Only

Facility tours are available after an on-line Rental Inquiry Form is submitted. (Please see the link on the left of the screen to submit a form.) Once completed, email rentals@sopacnow.org to schedule an appointment to tour the SOPAC facilities Monday-Friday, 10AM-4PM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you are free to work with the certified, fully licensed caterer of your choice. You may also bring in platters purchased from catering grocery stores or restaurants. Due to our license, we cannot allow “potluck” style events. We can also recommend caterers to you that we work with frequently.

Due to our liquor license, alcoholic beverages, whether purchased or donated, cannot be brought into the SOPAC facility. SOPAC can provide you with bar package options upon request.

Rates are based on a four hour event, with an additional two-hour load-in and a one-hour load out time period.

Included in the Loft space rental are (18) 60” round tables, (8) 6ft rectangle tables, (8) 30” cocktails tables, 150 padded banquet chairs and (2) 6ft bar tables, if needed.

Any additional furniture must be rented by you, and must be approved by SOPAC management.  The rental company must deliver and pick up the additional furniture.

All decorations, and placement of decorations, are the responsibility of the contracted person or organization. Approval of decorations is at the discretion of SOPAC management.

SOPAC staff will set up any in-house tables and chairs prior to the event, and break them down at the end of the event as well. Any rental furniture must be placed and set up by the vendor or the renter.

Food entrepreneurs, aspiring professional chefs and other food startups may rent a commercial kitchen complete with professional food preparation equipment. For special events in the SOPAC theatre and/or Loft, fully licensed caterers may utilize the kitchen for food preparation and service.

The kitchen is 20×20 feet with a fixed 5×7 feet stainless steel island. The facility rental includes a convection oven, a standard oven, three large capacity stainless steel sinks, two standard sinks, one large capacity refrigerator, one large capacity freezer and a dish washer.

Shown By Appointment Only

Facility tours are available after an on-line Rental Inquiry Form is submitted. (Please see the link on the left of the screen to submit a form.) Once completed, email rentals@sopacnow.org to schedule an appointment to tour the SOPAC facilities Monday-Friday, 10AM-4PM.

3D Tour

Experience the South Orange Performing Arts Center’s facility like never before in an interactive 3D tour.

Click here to take a 3D tour of SOPAC!

Shown By Appointment Only

In-person facility tours are available after an on-line Rental Inquiry Form is submitted. (Please see the link on the left of the screen to submit a form.) Once completed, email rentals@sopacnow.org to schedule an appointment to tour the SOPAC facilities Monday-Friday, 10AM-4PM.