ABOUT THE NEW YORK CONSERVATORY FOR THE ARTS
"A Passionate Home of Award Winning
Excellence in Education & Performance in the Arts"
Innovation, leadership, community and personalized development have always been the hallmark of the New York Conservatory for the Arts (NYCA) of Hurley, New York.
The New York Conservatory for the Arts (NYCA) and all projects offered at NYCA are projects of the Pan American Dance Foundation, a Non-Profit organization, the mission of which is to promote, cultivate, sponsor, develop, aid and advance the public interest in, respect and appreciation of the art of dance and the related arts of choreography, music, painting, design and theatre arts through year-round educational and performance projects and programming.
NYCA is filled with opportunities for all ages; whether for theatrical viewing or training, for fun or passionate exploration...wonderful things are happening everyday, for you and your family.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
/ CORE VALUES
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Each developing performance artist is an individual with many unique talents, needs and gifts.
Our staff provides the necessary guidance and individualized attention to inspire and develop those gifts which make your performing artist a singular celebration. Each student is encouraged to develop his or her talents at their level of potential, whether for fun or for some personal or artistic goal. Performance opportunities are available to all students focusing on the interrelationship of the Arts at the NYCA Cabaret, Woodstock Playhouse, Summer Camps, Troupe, Victorian Caroling and through special events & invitations.
/ TRADITION OF DIVERSITY
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A home for theatrical development built in the tradition of the quintessential theatre family is a hallmark of NYCA. In this, our 'modern family' of theatre, we embrace each other's diversities which create a richer pallette for sharing on stage and in life. All members are encouraged to bring their individual essence to the classroom, to share and enrich the lives of each other, embraced in the spirit of community, and full acceptance.
OUR HISTORY
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/ OUR ROOTS
In 1987, the Pan American Dance Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, established the New York Conservatory for the Arts (NYCA) in Hurley NY. Hand-picked staff from such Educational Arts Institutions as Carnegie-Mellon University, C.W. Post L.I.U., Skidmore College, Manhattan School of Music, Julliard, Yale, New England Conservatory, Berklee College, Crane School of Music have personally created unique programs that have led students along the path of award winning and lauded personal development and growth through a celebrated Performing Arts Education. ​
International, National & Local performances have been heralded from Presidents Park at the White House, to the World Expo in Seville, Disney in Paris, California & Florida, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Off-Broadway, the Ulster County Chambers, Lindenwald Homestead of Martin Van Buren, New York City Premiere Disney Films, Ford Foundation of NYC, and Mohonk Mountain House.
/ THE WOODSTOCK PLAYHOUSE
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In November of 2010, the Pan American Dance Foundation, Inc. dba New York Conservatory for the Arts, purchased the Woodstock Playhouse from the Woodstock Arts Board and committed themselves to the Playhouse's completion and guardianship. Through the new ownership, the open air Playhouse was fully enclosed and outfitted to become a year-round patron friendly theatre offering great performances and events for families and theatre goers. The Playhouse, with an internationally recognized history, has been returned to its rightful place in the theatre world as is befitting its establishment in 1938, as one of the first rural extentions of Broadway thanks to the work of the NYCA Staff. Most recently they won the place for the Woodstock Playhouse to be recognized and honored as a historic site under the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, and by patrons and theatre professionals as a "Broadway in our Backyard."