Queensborough Performing Arts Center (QPAC) has a long-standing history of showcasing thousands of performances, with a mission to provide world-class entertainment that remains affordable and accessible. Each year, over 160,000 people attend events in this renowned theater. Learn more about this exceptional venue on queens-trend.
Professional Art at an Affordable Price
The theater, with a seating capacity of 790, hosts a wide range of performances and shows, including concerts, theatrical productions, dance events, and operas. Queens Symphony Orchestra and Oratorio Society of Queens also perform here, alongside a variety of programs designed to entertain, educate, and enrich visitors. QPAC’s offerings are carefully curated to appeal to the diverse tastes of its discerning audience.
QPAC’s Professional Performing Arts Series brings audiences top-quality performances with a focus on accessibility and inclusivity. These live events feature multicultural content and are available at affordable prices, making high-caliber entertainment accessible to families with lower incomes, young people, and senior citizens. Reflecting the multicultural essence of Queens, QPAC’s programming celebrates the borough’s unique diversity.
Queens boasts the most ethnically varied population in the U.S., representing cultures from across the globe, with over 130 languages spoken by residents from more than 120 countries. This multiculturalism traces back to the demographic boom of the 1940s and 1950s, when families moved to Queens for suburban living, followed by a wave of Asian and Latin American immigrants in the 1960s and 1970s. The entertainment and arts programs at QPAC not only mirror this rich diversity but also integrate the arts into the lives of all community members.
Located on a College Campus
QPAC is situated on the campus of Queensborough Community College. Established in 1959, the college offers associate degrees and certificate programs in over 40 fields, with a focus on preparing students for either further study at a four-year institution or immediate entry into the workforce. While the college does not confer bachelor’s or master’s degrees, its programs cover the equivalent of the first two years of undergraduate study. Students receive a blend of general and practical education, which prepares them to start working in industries like business, healthcare, manufacturing, and government.
In addition to entertainment, QPAC also serves an educational purpose, providing students with cultural and artistic opportunities that are integrated into their learning experience.
An Inclusive Space
Susan Agin, the long-time executive and artistic director of QPAC, is celebrated for her passion for the performing arts. Under her guidance, QPAC underwent a major renovation, which was unveiled in April 2023. The upgrades, mostly designed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), included a larger, more accessible elevator, wheelchair ramps, expanded seating areas, and upgraded restrooms for people with disabilities. Additionally, the theater lobby was expanded, and new ticket booths and concession kiosks were installed.
