PolyArts
Our New Arts Center
TIME TO PLAY YOUR PART
Time to debut
The PolyARTS Center opened in January 2024. Audiences for Afternoon of Student Choreography poured into the inviting Howard Aibel Lobby Gallery as they waited for the doors to open from the new Brandman Family Theater Lobby. Middle School students had the bragging rights as the first to partake in classes in the new music and dance studios. Since then, the 10,000-square-foot space has provided our community with a bright and welcoming area to gather and enjoy both performing and visual arts. Find out more about the new PolyARTS Center and how you can help: contact us.
Multipurpose spaces impact all art forms
The $12 million campaign for the Poly Arts Center (PAC) is nearly complete. Students and faculty have begun to use this multidisciplinary, state-of-the-art facility which has already elevated the experience of arts at Poly. You can help bring funding the PAC to the finish line with philanthropic support that matches the level of excellence demonstrated every day by our students and faculty. Find out how you can help us reach our goal. Contact us.
Arts Center At-A-Glance
10,000
Square Feet of Additional Arts Space
$12 Million
Budget
24
Month Time Frame
Time to move
New Dance Studio is a leap forward
- Expands the dance curriculum and improves scheduling
- Is a dedicated space for both group instruction and 1:1 coaching
- Allows for greater opportunities for advanced dancers to rehearse independently and to prepare college auditions
- Features specialized protective flooring, bright windows to allow for a natural light-filled environment, and double height ceiling
“The Arts Center anchors the growth of Poly Arts. Its bright and modern spaces inspire and nourish creativity. It is the inviting new home of interdisciplinary programs and community-engaged partnerships.”- Michael S. Robinson, Head of Arts
Time to play
Instrumental Music Room resounds with joy
- Nearly doubles the size of the former band room with capacity to expand the program
- Opportunity to perform large-scale works
- Offers space, time, and equipment for seniors preparing college audition materials
- Provides state-of-the-art space for master classes and workshops with professional musicians
Time to create
Theater and Musical Theater share inspiring stories
- Alternative rehearsal spaces when the main stage is occupied
- Greater flexibility in scheduling for multiple productions
- Offers space, time and equipment for seniors preparing audition materials
- Best-in-class facilities for visiting directors, playwrights, choreographers, and designers
- Performance space for works in development
“An important aspect of the theater program at Poly is that the students get to work side by side and collaborate with theater professionals, and get to experience a high level of theater production whether on stage or behind the scenes.”- David Higham P’07, Performing Arts Faculty, Theater
Time to show
Art expresses beauty and emotion
- A welcoming entry point for both visual and performing arts events
- Doubles the size of the former theater lobby
- Professionally designed with state-of-the-art lighting, digital technology, and display cases
- Comfortable seating and embedded public address system for exhibitions, events, and receptions
Time to share
Our partnerships with artists and institutions infuse our programs with creative energy and inspiration
- Poly’s Arts Partnerships develop high-quality professional collaborations with Brooklyn-based artists and companies
- With increased capacity, we hope to share more of our resources with public schools, senior centers, and community-based organizations
- The new Arts Center expands the number and quality of rehearsal spaces for rent for community arts organizations
“Creativity is fundamental to humankind and even the youngest among us have the ability to shed light on feelings and experiences. Artistic expression is just one of many ways we encourage students to seek all that life has to offer and to flourish–eudaimonia.”- Audrius Barzdukas P’20, Former Head of School
Prominent Arts Alumni and Grateful Parents
Poly Prep has a long and distinguished history of producing alumni who are leaders in the performing and visual arts. A small sampling includes legendary record producer Richard Perry ’60 (Rod Stewart, Carly Simon, The Pointer Sisters) and film producer Robert Cort ’64 (On the Basis of Sex, Mr. Holland’s Opus, Jumanji), among others. More recently, Poly’s arts alumni include director Shaka King ’97 (Judas and the Black Messiah), actors Dan Fogler ’94 (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Kung Fu Panda), and Grace Gummer ’04 (American Horror Story: Freak Show and Mr. Robot), as well as Broadway dancers Jill Sigman ’85 and Noah Aberlin ’00, and musical theater star Doug Jabara ’84. In the visual arts we proudly claim Akili Tommasino ’05, assistant curator at the Metropolitan Museum, and video game illustrator Zachary Pytlak ’99. Thanks to your investment, Poly will continue to produce alumni leaders in the arts.
Poly ArtistsAlumni in the Arts
Contact