In midtown Elizabeth, a new place is being born to gather the rich cultural diversity of the City. Located in the Parish House of the First Presbyterian Church, a newly redesigned auditorium to be called the Academy of Elizabethtown will host a variety of theater, music, and community events intended to enhance the artistic voice of groups that perhaps have not been able to share their talent before. Here are a few examples:
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The refurbished auditorium will host stage productions from many cultures. |
Dance is just one of the arts that will be featured. |
Students can enroll for art tutoring. |
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The new auditorium will seat about 200 persons in a traditional forward-facing configuration. The space can also be configured for contemporary theater-in-the round performances. This can be a venue for new playwrights, especially those whose background reflects the diverse heritage of the city of Elizabeth. Production companies can rent the facility for a few weeks or even a month to stage their performances.
Music
The newly renovated Auditorium can host one-time concerts, or monthly series. The excellent acoustics of the room will enhance the audience experience and afterwards, patrons can sample the growing diversity of Elizabeth restaurants along and near Broad St. Performers can book the auditorium, taking advantage of its very accessible location along bus routes, near the train station, and across from a brand new parking garage.
Community Concerns
The auditorium will be an excellent location to gather residents to hear from their elected representatives and discuss issues that they are facing. In past years, city officials, elected representatives, and the county freeholders have met the people here. This is as it should be. After all, the State of New Jersey, the City of Elizabeth, and the County of Union can all trace their founding to this very site!