Opened in December of 1955, Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts is the largest college-based presenting program in New England. Each season, Jorgensen events attract more than 70,000 students, faculty and staff from the University of Connecticut, as well as residents from Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Jorgensen presents 25-30 nationally and internationally acclaimed artists and ensembles annually, ranging from classical music to world music and dance, classical and contemporary dance, comedy, family programming and contemporary entertainment.
Dedicated to University of Connecticut president Albert N. Jorgensen, the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts continues to follow his vision of the University as the state's educational and cultural leader. With over 2,300 seats in a flexible space, Jorgensen's attractive architectural features highlight the breadth of its presentations. Jorgensen also houses the Jorgensen Gallery and Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre, which is the home of Connecticut Repertory Theater. Presentation, education and outreach are at the center of the Jorgensen mission. In addition to performances, visiting artists augment the formal educational process with Convocation and master classes for the Department of Music, informal Q & A's and panel discussions, and participation in First Year Experience classes taught by the Jorgensen director. The Jorgensen Outreach for Youth (JOY!) program provides over 1,000 free tickets to select cultural events at Jorgensen to disadvantaged youth throughout Eastern Connecticut.
