MISSION
Our mission is to guide a new generation of performing artists as they learn from — and collaborate with — our world-class faculty of working professionals. We use and discover innovative teaching techniques that ignite curiosity, inspire confidence, and promote risk-taking because we believe the world needs art made by bold, compassionate people who are a credit to the community they serve.
We are
The Performing Arts Project
and we hope you will be, too.
For a glimpse of what goes on at The Performing Arts Project, take a look at one minute during our day.
Who We Are
The Performing Arts Project is a not-for-profit organization formed by a group of respected educators and entertainment industry professionals to help prepare the next generation of performers.
The Performing Arts Project provides instruction in all aspects of the performing arts including acting, dancing, and singing. Our student body comprises young performers from around the world who are admitted solely by audition.
The Performing Arts Project offers dynamic and constantly-evolving programming providing vibrant theatrical training in the disciplines of acting, singing, and dancing, plus many other connected fields. We offer four summer intensives: Blueprint, which focuses on technique and audition preparation, Panorama, which focuses on developing creativity and artistry within a technical framework, Compass: Acting for Camera which focuses on acting technique and technical expertise for working on camera, and Compass: Dance for Movers which focuses on beginner to beginner/intermediate-level dance technique training. Throughout the year, we offer Master Classes and Workshops across the country and abroad. These programs are custom designed to meet the needs of the particular students.
This passionate not-for-profit collective is committed to assembling aspirants from all over the world, from all walks of life; of paramount importance is to provide access to our unique training for those who would not otherwise be able to afford it.
It has been said that the challenge of education is not to prepare people for success, but to prepare them for failure. In vigorously emphasizing a wide-ranging developmental approach – paving the way for the student to reach their true potential as not only artist, but collaborator and leader and citizen – we seek to nourish a generation of performers who cannot fail to succeed.
"I think one of the most exciting parts of the program was the amount of collaboration between faculty and students. The students didn’t just learn from the faculty, the faculty also learned from the students. We all were in this mode of constant collaboration and willingness to work for our art. I’ve never been a part of a more close-knit group of artists before."
Kevin James Connor
Summer Intensive Student
"I wanted to teach at The Performing Arts Project because it’s a place where they teach me; the students teach me, the other faculty members who work here teach me. It’s a collaborative environment that fosters education, that fosters curiosity. And I love being a part of something like that."
Monica Raymund
Actor/Director; faculty member, Performing Arts Project Summer Intensives
"Honestly, I have never seen a group of adults care so directly about the future of young performers."
Emily Gee
Summer Intensive Student and Scholarship Recipient
"To say that being a part of The Performing Arts Project was life-changing would be a legitimate understatement. Going into this summer intensive, I was expecting for it to be your typical musical theater boot camp: voice, dance, and acting classes all day, everyday. It was so much more than that. As an artist, I felt safe from day one."
Gino Chaviano
Summer Intensive Student
"When I heard about the Performing Arts Project, I knew I wanted to be a part of it because I love teaching, I love directing, I love coaching, and I love students who are willing, ready, and hungry to learn. This summer intensive is going to be incredible, and I’m raring to go!"
Gavin Creel
Tony winner; faculty member, Performing Arts Project Summer Intensives
"As I watched the classes and the performances and had the opportunity to meet the teachers, I could see the passion and love each of these people were passing along to each student. They are truly helping these kids become students of the arts and not just performers. I left in awe of the generosity of spirit and love that was running through the faculty straight to the students."
Holly Park Garmon
Parent of a Summer Intensive Student
"As a parent of two children on this path, I am extremely grateful for the people at The Performing Arts Project and the gifts that they give. It’s obvious to us that the gratification they receive from their work with these young people is as great as the gratitude we have for receiving it."
Sam Swann
Parent of Summer Intensive Students
"I firmly believe that this program teaches everyone (including the faculty) to be better, bigger, more open, curious people."
Susan Misner
Actor/Choreographer/Director; faculty member, Performing Arts Project Summer Intensives
"I wish The Performing Arts Project had existed when I was growing up because I think a great summer arts program can change your life as a young artist. The group of teaching artists The Performing Arts Project has assembled is an extraordinary bunch: talented, caring, smart, funny and dedicated. I feel so lucky to be counted among them and I can’t wait to be there this summer."
Celia Keenan-Bolger
Tony winner; faculty member, Performing Arts Project Summer Intensives