Professional Arts Outreach Program
Welcome to The 2023/24 Season for Progressive Theater! Following the resounding success of our production of THE WIZ, we are thrilled to unveil an inspiring lineup of performances in partnership with Arts High School. Get ready to be captivated by the magic of theater as we proudly present three sensational Arts High School Productions:
LADY DAY at Emerson's Bar & Grill - Experience the hauntingly beautiful journey of the legendary Billie Holiday in an intimate setting that will transport you back in time.
BEEHIVE The 60's Musical: School Edition - Groove to the iconic tunes of the 1960s as Arts High School students bring to life the vibrant energy and cultural revolution of this unforgettable era.
SISTER ACT - Prepare for a joyful and soulful spectacle as Arts High School's talented performers deliver a heavenly rendition of this beloved musical comedy.
But that's not all! As part of our commitment to celebrating diversity and fostering community engagement, Progressive Theater is delighted to announce a special Black History Month Performance of THE COLOR PURPLE. This powerful and thought-provoking production will pay tribute to the rich history and contributions of Black individuals.
Our passion for theater extends beyond the stage, as we proudly introduce the Professional Arts Outreach Program. This visionary initiative aims to breathe new life into musical theater in Newark by collaborating with local schools. Through this program, students will have the extraordinary opportunity to showcase their talents on platforms like Paper Mill's Rising Stars, a high school theater awards competition. We are dedicated to increasing representation from schools in Essex County, ensuring that all voices are heard and celebrated.
Progressive Theater believes that the arts have the power to transform lives. With this in mind, the Professional Arts Outreach Program goes beyond the spotlight, focusing on nurturing essential life skills such as critical thinking, discipline, commitment, camaraderie, and self-esteem. By empowering the next generation of performers, we are paving the way for a future filled with creativity and confidence.
Our program doesn't stop at the stage door. We are committed to making a lasting impact on Newark's cultural landscape. The Professional Arts Outreach Program will enrich the city's arts scene, providing students with a platform to express themselves and gain recognition for their exceptional talents. This initiative also champions diversity and inclusivity in the arts, making artistic expression accessible to communities that have been historically underserved.
Join us on this exciting journey as we witness the transformation of students, schools, and the community of Newark. The 2023/24 Season for Progressive Theater is set to bring about positive changes that will resonate for years to come. Get ready to be inspired, moved, and uplifted by the magic of theater and the boundless potential of young talent.
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Donate to the production here
Upcoming Events
- Multiple DatesFri, Nov 03NewarkNov 03, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PMNewark, 550 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102, USANov 03, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PMNewark, 550 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102, USABEEHIVE School Edition celebrates the powerful female voices of the 1960’s with such timeless hits as “My Boyfriend’s Back,” “Be My Baby,” “Son of a Preacher Man,” and “Me and Bobby McGee.” Told from the perspective, Beehive takes us from the 1st Beehive Dance to the challenges we faced as a nation.
- Multiple DatesSat, Nov 04NewarkNov 04, 2:30 PM – 4:30 PMNewark, 550 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102, USANov 04, 2:30 PM – 4:30 PMNewark, 550 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102, USABEEHIVE School Edition celebrates the powerful female voices of the 1960’s with such timeless hits as “My Boyfriend’s Back,” “Be My Baby,” “Son of a Preacher Man,” and “Me and Bobby McGee.” Told from the perspective, Beehive takes us from the 1st Beehive Dance to the challenges we faced as a nation.
- Multiple DatesWed, Feb 14Arts High SchoolFeb 14, 2024, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM ESTArts High School, 550 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102, USAFeb 14, 2024, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM ESTArts High School, 550 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102, USAThis musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel (and the popular 1985 Steven Spielberg film) spotlights Celie, a downtrodden young woman whose personal awakening over the course of 40 years forms the arc of this epic story.
- Multiple DatesThu, Feb 15Arts High SchoolFeb 15, 2024, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PMArts High School, 550 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102, USAFeb 15, 2024, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PMArts High School, 550 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102, USAThis musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel (and the popular 1985 Steven Spielberg film) spotlights Celie, a downtrodden young woman whose personal awakening over the course of 40 years forms the arc of this epic story.
- Multiple DatesFri, Mar 22Arts High SchoolMar 22, 2024, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PMArts High School, 550 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
- Multiple DatesSat, Mar 23Arts High SchoolMar 23, 2024, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM EDTArts High School, 550 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
- Multiple DatesSun, Mar 24Arts High SchoolMar 24, 2024, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PMArts High School, 550 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102, USA