Kingston, Ulster County

The Ulster Performing Arts Center (UPAC), originally known as the Broadway Theatre (1927-1947) and later the Community Theatre (1947-1977), was constructed in 1927 in the Classical Revival architectural style. On opening night June 9, 1927 positive press proclaimed the new theater’s virtues including 1,703 seats, a big stage under proscenium arches, 4,000 electrical lights, end seat lights to illuminate aisles during performances, uninterrupted view lines from all seats, a sunken orchestra pit and a “magnificently decorated lobby”; all of which made it “one of the finest theaters in the Hudson River valley.” Opening night featured the movie “Cradle Snathchers” and five vaudeville acts.

By 1977, after several changes in ownership, and with the decline of Kingston’s downtown area and increased competition from malls, the theater had been abandoned and faced demolition. Fortunately, concerned citizens banded together and rescued the theater, reopening it as the Ulster Performing Arts Center. Today it is one of only three remaining pre-World War II theaters in the Hudson Valley. The UPAC continues to serve the public with popular plays, symphonies, rock shows and more. It is home to the Hudson Valley Philharmonic. The Ulster Performing Arts Center is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.