ABOUT
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.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Policy for the Axelrod Performing Arts Center
Diversity, equity, access, and inclusion are integral to the mission of the Axelrod Performing Arts Center. We actively seek to include artists from diverse backgrounds to unleash the universal power of theater and music. By emphasizing the importance of voices and perspectives that have been under-represented, misrepresented and/or ignored, we grow stronger, gain perspective and better connect to our world. We embrace differences in identity—not only including age, race, ethnicity, religion and gender but also language, disability, sexual orientation, gender identification, socioeconomic status, citizen status and perspective. We strive to create and maintain a welcoming and inclusive organization that continually works towards diversity, equity, access and inclusion. Through art, we break down walls and build community.
OUR MISSION
The Axelrod Performing Arts Center fosters artistic excellence by showcasing varied and distinct cultural programs which enrich the imaginative, intellectual and creative soul, and cultivate an appreciation of our diverse communities through the pursuit of the arts.
NEW WORKS INITIATIVE
In an effort to promote the advancement of the musical, the Axelrod Performing Arts Center seeks out significant new works to explore, promote and present. In the past few seasons, APAC has produced workshop readings as well as fully staged performances of new musicals, including Damascus Square, 54 The Musical and The Next Big Thing. The Axelrod PAC is currently in discussion with a number of New Jersey composers who are developing new musicals. Composers and writers who are interested in submitting works for consideration should contact Artistic Director Andrew DePrisco at adeprisco@axelrodartscenter.org. Donors interested in helping to produce new works are also welcome to contact our Artistic Director.
Axelrod PAC Board
Sheldon Vogel, Honorary Chair
James Aaron, VP
Angela Ahbez-Anderson
Bahiyyah Abdullah
Claire Boren
Janet Brown
Jill Eisenberg
Marc Epstein
Lindy Freedman
Giuseppe (Joe) Grillo
Neal Herstik, VP
Judy Jacobs
Honey Karasic
Norman Konvitz
Roberta Krantz, VP
Ira Kreizman, VP
Randye Krupnick
Larry Lowenstein
Larry Lutrell
Robert Mack, Treasurer
Toby Mack
Arlene Mollow
Rahool Patel
Louis Rodriguez
Burt Szerlip, VP
Dr. Arthur Topilow, President
THE AXELROD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER IS A 501C3 ORGANIZATION. FUNDING SUPPORT FOR THE AXELROD PAC COMES FROM INDIVIDUALS, FOUNDATIONS, AND GRANTS THAT ENABLE THE ARTS CENTER TO PRESENT OUR YEAR-ROUND EVENTS AND PROGRAMMING. WE WANT TO THANK OUR PATRONS AND DONORS THAT SUPPORT THE AXELROD ARTS CENTER ANNUALLY. FOR INFORMATION ON MEMBERSHIP AND HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE AXELROD PAC, PLEASE CALL JESS LEVY AT 732-531-9106 x 12 .
Artistic Director
Development Director • Founding CEO
General Manager
Business Manager
Marketing Director
Director, Axelrod Performing Arts Academy
Web/Design • BELL THEATER marketing liaison
Marketing Coordinator
Publicity Coordinator
Group Sales Director
Group Sales Associate
Development Consultant
Academy Coordinator