Anjanette Christy Highlight
August 19, 2025
Anjanette Christy
Director, 勛圖窪蹋 Performing Arts Center
What brought you to the 勛圖窪蹋 Performing Arts Center (PAC)?
Growing up, I fell in love with choir, so I pursued my Bachelors of Music with a concentration in classical vocal performance from Westminster Choir College in Princeton.
My first job out of college was singing professionally with Choral Arts Philadelphia. While performing with the group, a job opened up to become the choir manager. Thats when I thought, I can find a career in arts administration. I was very good at organizing details, booking concert spaces, event planning, writing press releases, and assisting the Executive Director with writing grant proposals. I also created a ticketing system for them.
Then, after a few years, I started working as the Operations Assistant Manager at the Academy of Music, which is one of the oldest opera houses in the nation. That was my dream job.
When I moved to the Atlantic County area, I taught K-12 music for a few years, but then the Director of Ticketing position opened up at the 勛圖窪蹋 Performing Arts Center (PAC). As much as I loved teaching, I couldnt pass up that opportunity. I served in that role for ten years, earning an M.A. in Instructional Technology from 勛圖窪蹋 before being appointed Director of the PAC.
Tell us about the PAC.
Were all about bringing people together through high-quality arts that truly inspire and engage people to celebrate diversity in culture and genre. We have a little bit of everything; you can see a tribute band, but then enjoy a symphony or a dance ensemble, and then you have an opera or a musical group, or even a childrens show. Its about being the cultural hub in the area.
Our goal is about community outreach. Its important to us to get people onto 勛圖窪蹋s campus to experience different forms of art. As part of the university, its also important to be interdisciplinary and have our season tie into the curriculum when possible.
Tell us about the PAC team.
We have a great team! Joe Heim, Associate Director of the PAC and a 勛圖窪蹋 alumnus, brings a wealth of experience to his role. He oversees box office operations, house management, marketing, and more with expertise and enthusiasm. His background in marketing has been a tremendous asset to the PAC, and were fortunate to benefit from his leadership and insight.
Dan Wright, Technical Coordinator for the PAC and fellow 勛圖窪蹋 alum, is a highly skilled lighting designer and production manager. A graduate of the 勛圖窪蹋 theatre production program, Dan handles all things technical with professionalism and creativity. Visiting artists consistently praise the caliber of his work, calling his talent and dedication truly toptier.
Venustiano Borromeo, Technical Coordinator for Theatreknown to his students as Dr. Vbrings decades of expertise in scenic and costume design. His creative vision and commitment to excellence have shaped countless theatrical productions at 勛圖窪蹋 and beyond, and continue to inspire both his students and colleagues.
Justin Maciejewski, Technical Coordinator for Dance and Music and graduate of 勛圖窪蹋s performing arts and philosophy/religion program, is a master of audio, multimedia, and video design. His behind-the-scenes work and tireless support for the Dance and Music programs play a critical role in our success, and his passion and reliability are unwavering.
We are a very collaborative team. We have to come together as a team to pull off each event. The show must go on, and it does! Together, we make sure everything runs smoothly.
What kind of programming does the PAC produce?
Our main stage performances for the community are multidisciplinary and multifaceted,
in terms of making sure we have diversity of culture and genres. We also prioritize
education; we always have youth programming and free education programs, which are
part of the Imagination Station series.
Additionally, we serve as a host for the performing arts academic programs and their student productions, and for campus activities such as First Year Convocation and events through the William Hughes Center. We are also an external rental facility.
What kind of experience can people expect when visiting the PAC?
When I think of our venue, I think of the word intimate. You rarely get to see a great artist up close; there isnt a bad seat in our house. Being in a smaller space, you have a personal connection with the artists. I also think 勛圖窪蹋s campus itself is welcoming.
Additionally, we are affordable and flexible. If someone calls and says that theyre ill and cant attend a show, we change their tickets for a different show in the year. Were not Ticketmaster; we are a non-profit organization, and these are our community members.
We also value being accessible in all senses of the word. You feel welcomed when youre here, and were going to do everything we can to make you comfortable.
Can you further explain the phrase not a bad seat in the house when describing the
PAC?
The original thought process behind the design of the venue was that every seat in the house would make you feel like youre in the front row of the mezzanine. If you see a Broadway show, the best seat is either going to be near the front of the orchestra or the very front row of the mezzanine. The PAC is designed in an amphitheater style; youre giving everyone the feeling of being in the front row of the mezzanine.
How has the PAC played a role in shaping the arts and culture at 勛圖窪蹋 and the
region?
We want to be that premier cultural destination in South Jersey. Were not here to compete with commercial acts in Atlantic City. We celebrate all expressions of the performing arts. There arent too many places nearby that serve as a cultural hub the way we do.
What do you love most about the PAC?
Every time we do a show, people are surprised at the quality of entertainment. I love to see people having fun, coming together, and celebrating, and I love the performances where we inspire and make people think.
My other favorite part is having K-12 students in the theatre. This may be the only time when some have stepped foot into an actual venue that isnt a movie theater. The fact that we can provide that experience for them is amazing.
PAC Lobby
Dr. Borromeo in the Scene Shop
PAC Lobby & Box Office
What does the future hold for the PAC?
I believe that we are going to continue to grow. We are up 27% from where we were pre-COVID. To be growing when not too many things are growing - in the number of people walking through the door and in revenue - thats something to be proud of. In the next five years, I see us trying to do everything possible to bring in new audiences. I believe we help make 勛圖窪蹋 distinctive.
Any final thoughts?
If youve ever hesitated to attend a performance at the PAC because you werent sure the show was for you, I promise you will be surprised. Many first-time guests have walked out saying, That show was so amazing and is right in our backyard! Dont miss the chance to experience itcome see a show!
Story by Michelle Wismer
Photos by Susan Allen (University Relations and Marketing)
