“The community has given so much support to APAC, this program, is our way of giving back.” Astoria Performing Arts Center Executive Producer Susan Scannell said with a big smile as she explained APAC’s latest venture in bringing quality t
“APAC started out with a dream of working with youth.” Scannell explained. “We’ve gotten our feet pretty well on the ground in our first two years, and are now ready to expand by introducing this program. I’ve been so impatient to get started and now with Gina Holland and Alisa Schiff sharing my passion — we’re ready to roll.”
The Astoria Performing Arts Center will offer six Saturday sessions to kids in grades 3-6 who are residents of Queens. There will be no fee for the participants and there will be a showcase performance at the end of the program. Due to limited space, auditions will be held on Saturday, June 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Experience is not required — only enthusiasm and desire. Auditioners should be prepared to sing a song of their choice (music is not necessary) and read a small scene that will be provided. Classes will begin July 12 and end Aug. 16. Grades 3 and 4 will attend from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. while grades 5 and 6 will attend from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Classes will be held at The Presbyterian Church of Astoria, 31-30 33rd St.
Program Director Gina Holland is a resident of Astoria and is the resident casting director for APAC. She has also served as casting director for Musical Writers’ Playground. Holland is one of APAC’s most popular performers having won hearts with her portrayal of Amnesia in APAC’s “Nunsense” and her work in “‘S Wonderful — A Gershwin Review.” She is also a partner with her husband David Madore a successful director, vocal coach and accompanist in their company Madland Music.
Teaching Artist, Alisa Schiff is also a resident of Astoria who became aware of APAC when she was cast as Sister Hubert in “Nunsense.” Schiff has been teaching young performers for the past 10 years and recently finished six years as musical director/ associate program director for the Centenary Young Performer’s Workshop in N.J., which was hailed as a “state treasure” in the Newark Star Ledger. She has also served as faculty for Centenary College, The Big & Loud Theater, Broadway To Go Productions, and Hunter College Elementary School.
For more information, call Susan Scannell at 718-278-5925.
