Ulster Performing Arts Center
The Ulster Performing Arts Center, originally the Broadway Theater and Community Theatre, is located on Broadway in Kingston, New York, United States
UPAC was merged into the Bardavon's corporate structure in 2007. The Bardavon acquired the HVP in 1999.
What We Do
The Bardavon presents top-notch music, dance, theater, and classic films for diverse audiences in both its venues. Every year since 1994, it has brought together artists, businesses, and government to produce special outdoor events. These activities draw thousands of residents and visitors to the region annually; provide free access to superb art; and boost community pride, urban revitalization, and cultural tourism.
Through our education program, we partner with regional schools to offer unique arts-based learning experiences for students and innovative teaching tools for educators.
The continued restoration and preservation of our historic theaters are also vital aspects of our mission.
Our performances, programs, and off-site events reach nearly 80,000 residents and visitors every year. In addition to Bardavon programming, audiences also enjoy many events hosted by outside community groups in our venues. Residencies provide 3,300 regional students with workshops and assemblies in their own schools, and the Bardavon-produced Celebration of Lights Parade draws over 5,000 to Downtown Poughkeepsie.
We have a long history of working with the City of Poughkeepsie and Kingston City School Districts on a variety of arts-based learning programs. Among our high-quality education programs for students in Kindergarten through grade 12 over the last 20 years have been the Young Playwrights Festival; Night of the Big Bands; IABAS Traditional Brazilian Band; Circus Goes Green; Arm of the Sea Theatre; the Hudson Valley Philharmonic Classroom to Concert Program; and Hip Hop Theater, which just completed its ninth season in Poughkeepsie and fifth in Kingston.
Our Community and Audiences
Our diverse events attract patrons of all age, cultural, educational and income groups. Audiences come from the state's nine-county Hudson Valley ( Albany to NYC), Connecticut, Vermont, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.
In addition to many European ethnic groups, our communities include a substantial African-American population (10.6% in Dutchess County; 33.5% in Poughkeepsie; 6.6% in Ulster County; 14.6% in Kingston). The Hispanic population continues to grow and now accounts for 10.8% in Dutchess; 19.5% in Poughkeepsie; and 9% in Ulster; 13.4% in Kingston. We are a member-driven organization averaging 2,600 households as active members.
Our group sales draw a variety of special interest organizations. For just $6, patrons of all ages can attend inspiring shows such as Daytime Performances and HVP Young People's Concerts, films, residency performances, and the Matinees & Music series for seniors - often with free bus transportation. We reach out to thousands of low-income neighbors every year through ticket donations to human services agencies, inner-city schools, and a variety of other community groups.
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