Arts and Cultural Programming
The Office of Arts and Cultural Programming (ACP) provides a place for important artists to create and perform innovative works. ACP produces and presents such works through its Peak Performances series to provide unique theatrical experiences that foster both creativity and learning for on-campus and community audiences over the academic year. Performing artists include members of the University campus from the Department of Theatre and Dance and the John J. Cali School of Music, as well as with established and upcoming creators on a national and international level.
Peak Performances
From its inception in 2005, Peak Performances, formed under the artistic direction of ACP’s Executive Director Jedediah Wheeler, has brought a wide range of internationally acclaimed artists and productions to the Alexander Kasser Theater. With an emphasis on inter-disciplinary work, Peak Performances has presented more than 50 world and American premieres by international artists such as South African director Robyn Orlin; Belgian artist, writer, director Jan Fabre; Italian theater artist Romeo Castellucci; British choreographer Wayne McGregor; Brazilian choreographer Sonia Destri; and Canadian choreographer Crystal Pite. The wide variety of American artists that the Peak series has presented include works by choreographers Bill T. Jones and Susan Marshall; Jazz composer Fred Hersch; and theater director/choreographer David Gordon, among many others.
Peak Performances also presents numerous works by Montclair State University’s next generation of artists, through the College of the Arts’ Department of Theatre and Dance and the John J. Cali School of Music. By bringing together artists of uncommon imagination with audiences of adventuresome spirits, Peak Performances fosters a greater understanding and appreciation of the creative spirit.
Office of Arts + Cultural Programming
Executive Producer | Jill Dombrowski | dombrowskij@montclair.edu
Business Manager | Stephanie Haggerstone | haggerstones@montclair.edu
Production/Facility Manager | J. Ryan Graves | gravesj@montclair.edu
Cultural Engagement Director | Eveline Chang-Fritsch | TBC
Media and Marketing Director | Amy Estes | estesa@montclair.edu
Director of Audience Services | Robert Hermida | hermidar@montclair.edu
Technical Director | Colin Van Horn | vanhornc@montclair.edu
Master Stage Electrician | Andrew R. Wilsey | wilseya@montclair.edu
Box Office Manager | Jeff Lambert Wingfield | wingfieldj@montclair.edu
Graphic Design | Patrick Flood | StorePF@comcast.net
Press Representative | Blake Zidell | blake@blakezidell.com
Website | Martin Halo | halom@montclair.edu
Press Inquiries
For press inquiries (professional artists only), contact Blake Zidell at Blake Zidell & Associates by email Blake@blakezidell.com or by phone 718-643-9052
Creative Campus Initiative
In 2010, ACP, along with the Research Academy for University Learning, received a two-year grant from the Association of Performing Arts Presenters (through the Creative Campus Initiative) to develop a new curriculum on creative thinking and learning. The idea was to integrate ACP’s world-class visiting performing artists into a new cross-disciplinary course, offered at the University, that would foster creative thinking, whether in performing arts, math and science, humanities, business, or beyond. ACP and RAUL assembled a faculty-working group in the fall of 2010, consisting of professors from Theater and Dance, Physics, Mathematics, Philosophy, Communications, Music, Business, and Computer Science. Together, they’ve been exploring what it means to be acreative thinker, and how best to foster that creativity in a university student. A new course, Creative Thinking (CRTH-151), started its first session in May of 2012, featuring guest instruction from such unique artists as director Robert Wilson, choreographer Liz Lerman and designer Iain Kerr. For more information on the Creative Thinking program, click here: http://creativethinkingmsu.tumblr.com/
Cultural Engagement Program
In addition to the programs mentioned above, ACP works to provide an in-depth Cultural Engagement program to involve Montclair State students and local audiences in creative and intellectually stimulating outreach programs by connecting these audiences with artists from around the globe. All ACP initiatives are designed to fulfill its overall mission, i.e. to enhance the cultural and creative life of the University campus and broader community, as well as foster opportunities for artistic development and educational excellence.
Alexander Kasser Theater
Opened in 2004, the Alexander Kasser Theater is a 500-seat incubator for the next great evolution for the performing arts, and a home for the world’s most visionary talents. A wide range of performances mix with exciting workshops and exhibitions to make the Kasser Theater an irreplaceable part of the arts community both here in Montclair and around the world. Visit the Alexander Kasser Theater page for technical information and rental inquires.
Questions? Comments? Want to join our mailing list? Email us at peakperfs@mail.montclair.edu
Employment Opportunities
The Office of Arts & Cultural Programming (ACP) presents and produces dance, music, theater, performance and opera created by acclaimed artists whose work advances the boundaries of the performing arts. The following are current employment opportunities at the state-of-the-art Alexander Kasser Theater.
