Friday, July 12, 2013

Taryn Sacramone Steps Down as Executive Director of Astoria Performing Arts Center


The Astoria Performing Arts Center (APAC) is bittersweet to announce that Executive Director Taryn Sacramone will be stepping down from her position to join the Queens Theatre (QT) as Managing Director. APAC’s Board of Directors will be immediately commencing a search to find her replacement. APAC Artistic Director, Tom Wojtunik is looking forward to announcing the 2013-2014 in the upcoming weeks.

Sacramone became Executive Director at APAC in August 2005. In Sacramone’s tenure at APAC, the budget increased fourfold, and its programming expanded to include an after-school playwriting program for children and a performance program for senior citizens. The company established a home theater at the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church and set up its offices at Kaufman Astoria Studios. In 2012, USA Today named APAC a “Top Queens Attraction.” The New York Times praised APAC for being “"adventurous"” and "“talented"” and Time Out New York described the company as an “"inventive programmer"” on its list of “50 Things to Love about NYC Theater.” These achievements at APAC were recognized by leaders in the community. In May 2013, Sacramone was honored by Senator Michael Gianaris at the Women of Distinction Honors Ceremony in Albany, New York. In the same month, Sacramone was included as an honoree at the 11th Annual Queens Top Women in Business Awards, hosted by the Queens Courier. In 2012, Sacramone was recognized with an Artistic Achievement Award by Assembly Member Aravella Simotas and Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney as part of Women’s History Month.

Shelly Felder, the President of APAC’s Board of Directors said, "I know I represent the full board when I say that we are thrilled for Taryn and this wonderful opportunity. We know she will do an incredible job for the Queens Theatre. We know that because she’s done an incredible job for APAC. It is that great work that leaves us in a position of strength, with an excellent staff and a committed board of directors. We wish Taryn the very best and look forward to the next great chapter in APAC’s life.”"

Sacramone said, "My experience at APAC has been extraordinary-more challenging and rewarding than I could have anticipated when I became APAC's Executive Director eight years ago. I've had the opportunity to work with talented and generous people and have learned from every one of them. Though I'm excited to move to this new position at the Queens Theatre, I will also remain in the APAC family - as an audience member and supporter." 



ASTORIA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (APAC), a not-for-profit organization, was founded in 2001 with a mission to bring high quality theater to Astoria, Queens, and to support local youth and senior citizens. On its mainstage, APAC produces revivals and premieres of plays and musicals. APAC also develops new works through readings and workshops. Its flexible theater space changes with each production. To date, APAC has received 21 New York Innovative Theatre Award nominations and 4 wins (Children of Eden & Ragtime), as well as an Off-Off Broadway Theatre Review Award for Outstanding Production of a Musical (Is There Life After High School?). In 2012, the New York Innovative Theatre Foundation honored APAC with its Caffe Cino Fellowship. APAC offers free annual community programs, including a summer performance camp for children ages 8-13, an after school playwriting program for middle school students, and a performance program for Queens residents over the age of 60. These programs deepen ties with the community, and develop new audiences for theater. Diverse programming and consistent quality attracts a loyal and growing audience that reflects the diversity of Western Queens and also draws from the other boroughs and beyond. 

In addition to its theater space within the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, APAC’s offices are located within the historic Kaufman Astoria Studios. For more information on APAC, visit www.apacny.org

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