How the Academy Came About
The Academy for the Performing Artist was born from the development of Opera New York, Inc. which was founded in 1982 by Judith Fredricks at the request of their sponsor, William Reilly, the artistic director of the theatre complex at the newly constructed Borough of Manhattan Community College in Tribeca. ONY was to fill the theatres of the complex with opera, concerts, and musical theatre productions that would then be accessible to the communities, schools, and parks of NYC, through their outreach program. The company consisted of 50 of NYC's most talented young artists, directors, and musicians.
When funding for the theatre complex collapsed, Opera New York became an opera workshop. Classes of all kinds, from acting and voice to dance and movement for singers, were taught. Productions were on a smaller scale, but continued to be done. The Academy for the Performing Artist grew out of this, as a division of Opera NY, and still continues to train opera and music theatre singers. It is currently seeking funding to take opera into schools.