The spacious 2,750-seat Prudential Hall and the intimate 514-seat Victoria theatre are the principal components of this world-class performing arts center, planned and designed as a home for the arts that would revitalize and transform downtown Newark. The complex, a frequent model for communities aspiring to build new centers, includes two theatres, a rehearsal hall/banquet room, restaurants, offices, and shops.

The main theatre is the principal venue for the New Jersey Symphony and for regional and international programs that include touring shows, jazz, opera, and dance. The smaller theatre showcases regional and community events, and special programs for school children.

Starting in 1989, FDA began working with the NJPAC to write an initial building program. Subsequently, FDA worked with the architect and acoustician to design the large theatre as a functional and intimate, as well as beautiful room. Equal attention was given to the smaller Victoria Theatre as well as back-of-house areas — many filled with natural light — for the building’s production staff. The new facility has world-class rehearsal rooms, banquet facilities, a popular restaurant, and offices, as well as private donor suites.