Our Mission

Welcome to WPLive, the portal for all performing arts programs produced and presented at William Paterson University. The mission of WPLive is to ensure a lively and significant presence and integral role for the performing arts in the life of the University and of the broader surrounding community. Through its programs, it seeks to expand the role of the performing arts in the education of all students, in the best tradition of liberal education. It offers innovative and comprehensive programming of outstanding quality and multicultural reach including a variety of artistic disciplines and expressions, offering creative outlet and educational experiences to all.

Under the auspices of the College of the Arts and Communication at William Paterson University, University Performing Arts (UPA) oversees the creation and presentation of University sponsored performing arts programs such as the Vistas Series, the Jazz Room Series, and the New Jersey Playwrights Contest.

UPA is also responsible for all aspects of theater operations in Shea Center for Performing Arts and Hunziker Black Box Theater. UPA, as central to the academic mission of the University, is charged with providing logistical support services to all Music and Communication/Theatre department public performance events, Distinguished Lecture Series, University Galleries, and all other University events taking place in these spaces.

We welcome all visitors and members of the greater William Paterson University community to explore our site, attend our entertaining and diverse programs, and help us showcase and support the arts in the future. Come join us at “the place to connect.“