Q: Tell Me About Yourself
A: As the owner and Artistic Director of Fairfield Performing Arts Studio (FPAS), I've had the privilege of calling Fairfield home for many years. Alongside my husband Bill, we have businesses at 1899 Bronson Road, FPAS, William Kenny Associates (a landscape architectural and environmental firm), and Native (a native plant nursery). Our journey with 1899 Bronson Road began just over 2.5 years ago, and transforming this property into a haven for creativity has become a true labor of love for us. We have two children living in Brooklyn, Taylor, our talented Motion Designer, and Bailey, a dedicated 5th grade teacher.
For me, passion is the driving force behind everything I do. Whether nurturing my students' talents or cherishing moments with family, I pour my heart and soul into every endeavor. Over the past 16 years, I've I dedicated myself wholeheartedly to guiding and mentoring my students, helping them unlock their full potential onstage and in life.
Q: What is Your Community Connection?
A: I am rooted in Fairfield, which I've proudly called home for over 25 years! Together with my husband, we've nurtured our family in this vibrant community, watching our children thrive through their education in the Fairfield Public Schools. My affection for this town runs deep; it's a place that truly encompasses everything one could desire. Most of all, the people of Fairfield have captured my heart with their warmth and kindness. I am so thrilled to have my studio in the heart of Greenfield Hill Village; it's a lovely community here in the village.
Q: Why did you first open FPAS and how has it evolved over the years?
A: In 2008, I wanted to share my passion for acting and theater with the community by founding FPAS, an endeavor that has blossomed into a gift. Teaching has been an absolute joy, allowing me to immerse myself in what I love while cultivating meaningful connections with the incredible individuals I am privileged to work with. In today's digital age, where virtual interactions often dominate, fostering genuine connections has become increasingly vital. At FPAS, we recognize the importance of promoting in-person connections—between students, themselves, and their community. From the beginning, FPAS has been a place where students can express themselves freely, without judgment. Our focus has always been on imparting life skills that promote positive self-image, focus, boundless confidence, and group trust—a mission that remains steadfast to this day. While FPAS has undergone remarkable growth since its inception, with our student body expanding from a humble five to over a hundred students weekly and our summer camps swiftly reaching capacity, our core values and mission have remained unwavering. Despite our growth, the essence of FPAS—nurturing creativity, building confidence, and fostering genuine connections—remains at the heart of everything we do.
Q: Can you explain your approach and how it can differ in a class with school-aged kids vs private lessons with college-bound teens or adults?
At FPAS, we offer both group classes and private lessons, each tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of our students. Group classes provide a dynamic environment focused on collaborative activities, community-building exercises, and rehearsing our plays. Even within these group settings, students receive personalized attention and feedback to nurture their growth and cultivate the confidence to shine on stage. For those seeking a more individualized approach, private lessons offer a customized experience designed to address specific areas of improvement. Whether mastering public speaking, enhancing self-confidence, refining speech skills, or preparing for college auditions, each private session is meticulously tailored to the student's objectives. I work closely with college-bound students, assisting them in selecting monologues and ensuring they feel fully prepared for every audition. Our student roster spans a diverse range, from industry professionals seeking to hone their craft to beginners embarking on their acting journey, each receiving the foundational techniques essential for their training. At FPAS, our commitment is to empower every student to reach their fullest potential, regardless of background or experience level.
Q: What skills are important for a performer to develop?
A: At its core, acting lies in the ability to authentically tell "the story" and convey truth through one's performance. Acting, stripped down to its most fundamental level, is a beautifully simple art form—a matter of embodying the character and truthfully portraying their experiences. It's about tapping into that innate sense of imagination and playfulness that we all possessed as children when we effortlessly slipped into different roles while playing with friends. The key to compelling acting is maintaining that sense of playfulness and sincerity, speaking from the heart, and allowing oneself to fully immerse in the character's journey. By embracing this authenticity and staying true to the essence of the story, performers can create truly captivating and impactful performances that resonate deeply with audiences.
Q: As the warmer weather is approaching, what types of classes and camps do you offer over the summer?
A: At FPAS Summer Camp, we offer a comprehensive and immersive experience that combines full-scale performances, drama training, and engaging drama games. Our camp environment prioritizes physical and emotional safety, creating the optimal conditions for growth and learning, both as actors and individuals, all while ensuring a fun, exciting, and inspirational atmosphere. Campers are grouped by age and rotate between various training classes when not actively preparing for the final performance. From musical theater and acting to dancing, singing, improvisation, and arts and crafts, our diverse curriculum offers a well-rounded approach to theatrical education. Rehearsals and preparations for the performance commence early in the camp session, with dedicated time allocated to expand and refine the production as the camp progresses. Drama games are seamlessly integrated throughout the training and rehearsal process to keep campers engaged and energized. Open to children entering grades 3-11 in the fall of 2024. FPAS Summer Camp offers an unforgettable opportunity for young performers to hone their skills, unleash their creativity, and showcase their talents in a supportive and nurturing environment. By the end of the three-week session, audiences will be delighted by the remarkable performances delivered by our talented campers.
Q: What did you find the most rewarding as a performer? As a teacher?
A: As a performer, there's nothing quite as fulfilling as the transformative experience of embodying a character onstage. It's about shedding your identity and fully embracing the essence of the character, merging their traits with your own to create a seamless fusion of identities. The electrifying energy of a live audience adds an unparalleled thrill to the performance, fueling the excitement and intensity of each moment. Yet, as a teacher, the most gratifying aspect for me is the profound impact of mentorship. Witnessing the growth and evolution of my students over the years fills me with immense pride and joy. Many of them, who started their journey with me, have gone on to pursue successful careers in the performing arts—some as professional actors, others as educators, and some even as colleagues working alongside me. It's a continuous cycle of mentorship that not only strengthens our bond but also enriches us all, empowering each of us to reach new heights of self-discovery!
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Teaching has been an absolute joy, allowing me to immerse myself in what I love while cultivating meaningful connections with the incredible individuals I am privileged to work with.