The Santander Performing Arts Center in Reading, Pennsylvania is a large and impressive venue that hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year. With its grand theater space and modern amenities, the Santander PAC has become a cultural hub for the Reading area and the surrounding Berks County region. One of the key details that makes the Santander Performing Arts Center so accommodating for various events is its substantial seating capacity.
Quick Answer
The Santander Performing Arts Center has a total seating capacity of 2,425 seats. This includes:
- 1,850 seats in the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Auditorium
- 75 seats in the Damon L. and Teresa L. Jacobs Discovery Center
- 500 seats in the Boscov Ballroom
With seating for over 2,400 guests, the Santander PAC can accommodate everything from intimate lectures and recitals to full-scale touring Broadway productions.
Detailed Breakdown of Seating Sections
Here is a more detailed look at the various seating sections and capacity configurations inside the Santander Performing Arts Center:
Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Auditorium
The Levitt Auditorium is the Santander PAC’s grand main stage theater space. Total seating capacity is 1,850 seats. The seating breakdown is as follows:
- Orchestra Level: 910 seats
- Front Mezzanine: 344 seats
- Rear Mezzanine: 340 seats
- Boxes: 256 seats total, with 32 seats in 8 private boxes
The Levitt Auditorium features continental-style seating layout with no center aisle. The orchestra level has 20 rows, while the mezzanine levels have 12 rows each. Patrons access the mezzanines from stairwells at the rear of the main floor seating.
Damon L. and Teresa L. Jacobs Discovery Center
The Jacobs Discovery Center is the Santander PAC’s intimate black box theater space. Total seating capacity is 75 seats. The Jacobs Discovery Center is located on the lobby level and is typically used for small-scale events such as lectures, recitals, and discussions.
Boscov Ballroom
The Boscov Ballroom is the Santander PAC’s elegant special events venue. Total seating capacity is 500 seats. The ballroom can also accommodate 700 guests for standing receptions. The Boscov Ballroom features a dividing wall so it can be partitioned into two separate spaces. Typical events held in the ballroom include galas, weddings, and banquets.
Configuration Options
In addition to the standard fixed seating in each of its theater spaces, the Santander Performing Arts Center can modify and configure seating to accommodate different events. Some examples include:
- Removing orchestra pit seats in the Levitt Auditorium for theatrical productions
- Adding standing room spaces and removable seats on orchestra level
- Rearranging seating in Boscov Ballroom into rounds for banquets
The table below summarizes the flexible seating capacities in the Santander PAC’s various event spaces:
Space | Standard Capacity | Flexible Capacity |
---|---|---|
Levitt Auditorium | 1,850 seats | 1,700-2,000 seats |
Jacobs Discovery Center | 75 seats | 50-100 seats |
Boscov Ballroom | 500 seats | 300-700 seats |
History of the Santander Performing Arts Center
The Santander Performing Arts Center first opened in 2000 thanks to the efforts of the Berks County Convention Center Authority. The PAC was initially known as the Sovereign Performing Arts Center until Sovereign Bank purchased naming rights in 2006. After Sovereign Bank was acquired by Santander Bank in 2009, the venue adopted its current name.
The overall complex where the Santander PAC is located opened in January 2000 as the Sovereign Center Arena and Convention Center. The initial construction cost totaled $45 million. When the PAC venue was added, another $16 million was invested to create a dedicated theater space. Perks Construction was the general contractor for the project.
The original vision was for the Sovereign PAC to serve as a new premier events facility for the Reading and Berks County region. Local leaders hoped it would attract major touring productions, such as Broadway musicals and plays, that would typically only perform in larger cities like Philadelphia or Harrisburg.
Architectural Design
The Santander Performing Arts Center was designed by the architecture firm Webb Management Services of Lexington, KY. Webb Management specialized in planning civic arenas, convention centers, and performing arts venues. The lead architect for the Santander PAC project was Stan Harvey.
Some key design elements include:
- A facade combining glass, steel, brick, and limestone
- A curved roofline echoing the contours of nearby Blue Mountain
- Terraced levels allowing good sightlines from all seats
- An interior color palette of burgundy, gold, and hunter green
The PAC was constructed specifically to accommodate touring theater productions. The loading area can handle multiple trucks unloading massive sets. The fly system above the stage can hold complex lighting rigs. The orchestra pit can fit a full ensemble. Dressing rooms were outfitted for large touring casts.
Recent Renovations
In 2009, the Santander PAC underwent $2 million in renovations including:
- New exterior LED lighting system
- Upgraded restrooms and concession stands
- Addition of the Damon & Teresa Jacobs Discovery Center
- Office expansions
Further improvements were made in 2015 when new seats, carpeting, and wall coverings were installed in the Levitt Auditorium and Boscov Ballroom.
Notable Events at the Santander Performing Arts Center
In its over 20 years of operations, the Santander Performing Arts Center has hosted an incredible range of events. Some highlights include:
- Broadway tours – Blockbuster musicals like The Lion King, Wicked, Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera, and many more have played extended runs at the Santander PAC.
- Comedians – Top comedians like Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, and Chris Rock have brought sold-out crowds to the PAC.
- Concerts – Major music acts from all genres including Tony Bennett, Kid Rock, Gladys Knight, Boston Pops, and Rockapella have performed on the Levitt Auditorium stage.
- Dance shows – The Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker has become a Santander PAC holiday tradition with over 20 annual performances.
- Graduations – Local colleges like Albright University hold annual commencement ceremonies in the Levitt Auditorium.
- Community events – The PAC regularly partners with local groups to host events ranging from awards galas to spelling bees.
The Santander Performing Arts Center continues to bring a tremendously diverse mix of entertainment to Reading and Berks County. The substantial seating capacity allows shows of all scales to come through the PAC.
Future Expansion Plans
Looking ahead, the Santander Performing Arts Center has plans for further expansion and improvements in the coming years. Some potential upgrades include:
- Increasing the seating capacity of the Levitt Auditorium
- Adding rehearsal halls and classroom spaces
- Constructing onsite parking deck
- Installing new theater rigging systems
- Enhancing patron amenities like lobbies and lounges
These investments will help the Santander PAC maintain its reputation as one of Pennsylvania’s premier event venues. More seating and improved facilities will allow the PAC to continue attracting top-tier Broadway tours, concerts, comedians, and other live acts.
Community Support
Future growth for the Santander Performing Arts Center will be made possible through strong community support. The PAC relies on public funding from the Berks County Convention Center Authority along with corporate sponsorships and private donations.
By continuing to serve as both an economic engine and a cultural treasure for Reading and Berks County, the Santander PAC has established itself as a community pillar deserving of ongoing financial backing. This will ensure the PAC remains a top regional destination for generations to come.