(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- Paul Bartick, Chairman of the Board of Governors, regretfully announces a change in executive leadership at the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) due to budgetary cutbacks brought on by Covid-19. Craig Sumberg was relieved of his duties as Executive Director at SOPAC last week. Sumberg began his tenure at SOPAC in January, 2020 but by mid-March the pandemic caused entertainment venues to close their doors resulting in a devastating loss of revenue.
“We are sorry to see Craig go,” stated Chairman Bartick. “We wish him all the very best as he pursues new opportunities, and we are grateful for the steady presence he brought to SOPAC as we faced the impact of the epidemic.”
SOPAC’s Director of External Relations Dee Billia has been named Acting Executive Director, a position she held for 7 months in 2019 as well. Billia has a long history in the New Jersey arts industry, and has held positions at the New Jersey Theatre Alliance, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey and Appel Farm Arts and Music Center. She is a chairperson for the Jersey Arts Marketers association and has been at SOPAC for seven years.
The Board of Governors will start a search for a new executive director once the landscape of performing arts organizations becomes more favorable for robust programming and return of audiences to live events.
Since 2006, SOPAC has been serving as a premier performing arts center in the region. SOPAC offers innovative artistic and cultural experiences for diverse audiences in an intimate, inviting environment. The arts center hosts a variety of live performances, community events and education programs for all ages. SOPAC is home for Seton Hall University Arts Council’s performances, including Classical Concert Series, Jazz ‘N the Hall performances and Seton Hall University Theatre productions. SOPAC programs are made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
