Jersey Shore Magazine

j e r s e y s h o r e • S P R I N G 2 0 2 2 11 during rental usage. The JSAC's third floor features three areas available to rent: The Café Space, The Kitchen Space, and The Herbst Theater. The Cafe Space offers central heat and air conditioning, catering and sound system capabilities, a capacity from forty to fifty-five guests (depend- ing upon table and seating configura- tions), elevator access from the main lobby, Wi-Fi, and a portable movie screen. The Café is an ideal spot for parties, dinner theater, meetings, and intimate music and speaker events. "We do accept monetary donations, but are always looking for 'in-kind' donations of water and soda for our events, candy for our trick-or-trunk event, fruit and bagels for our 5K races, office supplies, and even dona- tions of toilet paper and paper towels. We have three floors of bathrooms to maintain, and supplies can get cost- ly," Nappi says. Volunteers are needed to help with both JSAC operations and special events such as their yearly 5K fund- raiser. "We need sixty to sixty-five volunteers in September with our race that runs through Ocean Grove and Bradley Beach," Nappi says. "It's like a big wedding that happens every year and takes a year to plan." Other events include movie nights, perfor- mances and classes, a fashion show luncheon, and coming in May 2022, programming and events to honor Women's Empowerment Month. While individual and corporate tax-deductible donations (one-time or recurring) are always accepted, other ways to support the JSAC include holding or sponsoring an event at the facility, designating them on AmazonSmile (search Ocean Grove Historic Preservation Society), or purchasing something from their Amazon Wish List, which can be found on their website. The community can make the biggest impact, however, by talking about and attending events at the JSAC. "Come to our events," Nappi urges. "We're right here at the Jersey Shore, centrally located by Asbury Park and right on Main Street with plenty of free parking. You don't have to go to New York City for quali- ty arts and cultural education and events. The JSAC is right here, afford- able, and in a building rich with sto- ries and history." —Jill Ocone The Jersey Shore Arts Center is located at 66 Main Street in Ocean Grove. For more information or to learn more about donating, volunteering, rentals, and updat- ed programming and event schedules, visit www.jerseyshoreartscenter.org or call (732) 502-0050. week three, this was something that would take months or years to crawl out of," she explains. "We lost our dance school and yoga residents, but we created rehearsal, arts education, and ballroom dance space during COVID. We also received several grants such as the SBA's Shuttered Venue Operations Grant, New Jersey Arts Relief Fund, and NJEDA Grants that have helped keep us going." A Building for All Facets of the Arts In addition to programming, the JSAC offers several rooms available to commercial, nonprofit and school groups, and performers for rent- als with affordable rates. Weekly, monthly, and yearly studio space is also available to artists and art-based businesses. All revenue from rentals support the JSAC's mission. Nappi says, "If there's a teacher who needs studio space to have a tutor session, or a painting session, the JSAC can provide that space." The Palaia Theater is the JSAC's centerpiece with 450 all-original historical seats, a restored balcony, stage, and grand piano. Behind the scenes, a large dressing and stage area is available for both theatrical and musical events. Modern amenities include sound and lighting systems, a professional movie projector, and Wi-Fi. Balcony and special prestige seating are also available. The 1940s Room can accommo- date up to forty to fifty guests and can be added on to events booked at the Palaia Theater—as a volunteer area or VIP space. It can also be booked for stand-alone events such as rehearsals and formal/informal meetings. The Main Lobby features wide open spaces for parties, artist recep- tions, craft and speaking events, and more. It boasts a large grand staircase, hardwood flooring, stun- ning architectural elements, seasonal decor, and works by local artists. It has five entryways including two from the parking areas. With its 1,500 square-feet, The Ballroom offers plenty of space and has ample natural and evening lighting, mirrored walls, barres, and storage areas for gear and footwear The 450-seat Palaia Theater today. The Kitchen Space is perfect for cooking catered events or food demonstrations and has refrigeration and freezer capabilities, professional appliances, a coffee gallery, and ice machines. It has been inspected as satisfactory by the health department, and renters must provide proof of insurance as well as certification of ServSafe. Dishes, utensils, and dining service are also available. The Herbst Theater, the JSAC's newest theater space, is also locat- ed on the third floor. Named after founder Herbert Herbst, this "Black Box" space boasts seating for up to fifty-five guests, dressing rooms, pri- vate bathrooms, box office and stage prep space, a portable movie screen, a sound and lighting system, and central air conditioning and heating. Start-up theater companies as well as musicians, writers, and speaking groups will find The Herbst Theater to be an ideal place for their next event. Supporting the JSAC Nappi explains that there's a number of ways the Jersey Shore community can support the JSAC. courtesy of Jersey Shore Arts Center

• Cover