RPAC Brings long-time head of programming for Lincoln Center, William W. Lockwood, Jr. on board to help formulate RPAC's Inaugural Seasons
June 2000
William W. Lockwood, Jr. has joined the Regional Performing Arts Center as a consultant to advise and oversee the programming of RPAC's seasons through 2002. Mr. Lockwood brings his extensive experience as a programmer at Lincoln Center and Princeton's McCarter Theater to RPAC - the two-facility, three-venue performing arts center comprised of the venerable Academy of Music and the striking new Rafael Viñoly-designed facility at Broad and Spruce Streets. The new building is slated to open in late 2001 with the installation of the structural steel starting in February.
"I'm thrilled that one of the most respected names in the performing arts world will be working with us," said RPAC President Stephanie W. Naidoff, "we are delighted to have yet another world-class player on our team."
Mr. Lockwood began his career in performing arts programming when a senior at Princeton University. Along with two friends, he booked his first event into the McCarter Theater in 1959. In 1963 he was appointed the McCarter's Associate Producer and now serves as Special Programming Director for the theater's classical music, dance, jazz, world music, world dance and special events programming. Over the years, Mr. Lockwood has attracted an impressive roster of legendary talents to Princeton, often to appear at the McCarter's annual benefit gala including Tony Bennett, Luciano Pavarotti, Princess Grace, Cary Grant, Philip Glass, Robert Wilson and Hal Holbrook to name a few.
Mr. Lockwood has a unique view of his role as a programmer, "I'm always looking at the chemistry between the people in the audience and what is happening on the stage," he said. "That's part of what I do. Once I book an artist, I don't hesitate to argue for the program I feel our audiences should have."
In 1965, Mr. Lockwood joined Lincoln Center as Assistant Director of Programming. He was appointed an Executive Director of Programming in 1970 - a position he held for more than 20 years. While at Lincoln Center, Mr. Lockwood was responsible for creating, programming and directing the successful Mostly Mozart Festival, and also administered other regular performance programs including the Great Performers Series, Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors and the Serious Fun Festival.
Most recently, Mr. Lockwood has consulted with the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in the development of its artistic and business plans. In 1995, he was named NJPAC's Principal Programming Associate crafting its grand opening in 1997. The opening brought together performing luminaries such as opera star Kathleen Battle; Tony Award-winner and Broadway legend Chita Rivera; Tony winner and tap dancing sensation Savion Glover; Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra; Argentinian tango artists Tango X 2; and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
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