The Axelrod Performing Arts Center was named after Dr. Herbert and Evelyn Axelrod, long-time residents of Deal, NJ, and supporters of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Monmouth County (now the JCC Jersey Shore). APAC officially opened its doors in 2005.

Cultural and theatrical programming had long been a part of the JCC tradition in Monmouth County, and the Center Drama group was the first community theater group in the area, which stayed active for some 75 years. Community leaders such as Abe Vogel, Zipporah Epstein, Harold and Ellie Arm made strong contributions of time and talent over many years.

A generous donation from Sheldon and Anne Vogel led to the naming of the Vogel Auditorium in 1988, and plans to build a new performing arts center and to renovate the community center began in the early 1990s. A generous donation from Ruth Hyman led to the naming of the Ruth Hyman Jewish Community Center.

Dr. Herbert and Evelyn Axelrod, who had funded camp scholarship concerts at the center for over a decade, made a historic donation which led to the building of the new arts center, which was dedicated as the Axelrod Performing Arts Center in 2005. Under the leadership of Donald Epstein, Matrix Development Group provided additional support and expertise for the construction of the state-of-the-art theater.

A multi-disciplinary arts organization, APAC was incorporated as a non-profits arts organization in 2010. In 2017, the Axelrod Performing Art Center showcased over 300 artists on our stage, reaching in excess of 20,000 patrons. In 2015, after multiple nominations from the New Jersey Association of Community Theaters, APAC received its highest award (Best Production of a Musical). A 2016 recipient of a three-year grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, APAC continues to be one of the state’s most diverse presenters and producers of cultural programs as well as one of the New Jersey’s up-and-coming professional regional theaters.