Erin Moore Named Executive Director at Astoria Performing Arts Center

The Astoria Performing Arts Center (APAC) announced today, that as of April 14, 2014, Erin Moore will be the new Executive Director, replacing Taryn Sacramone, who resigned last June. This is the culmination of a nearly year-long search for that candidate whose love for the performing arts is matched only by her commitment to further the cultural vibrancy of Queens. Moore's first production as Executive Director will be Rodgers & Hammerstein's Allegro, directed by APAC's Artistic Director Tom Wojtunik, opening May 1st, 2014.

Moore says, "I am thrilled to be joining APAC as the new Executive Director. It is an honor to be entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining APAC's legacy of excellence and continuing its integral role in the cultural community of Astoria and Long Island City. I look forward to bringing APAC into a new phase of growth, particularly during this exciting moment of artistic energy, with the designation of the Kaufman Arts District. I am personally excited to become a part of this vibrant theatrical community, as I get to know the artists, artisans, and audiences who have been part of the APAC family for so many years, as well as the new faces the coming months and years will bring to APAC's performances and community programs."

Since its founding in 2001, APAC has served Queens and New York City by producing revivals of plays and musicals, as well as developing new works through readings and workshops. The company established a home
theater at the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, on Crescent and 30th Road, and set up its offices at Kaufman Astoria Studios.

Shelly Felder, President of APAC's Board of Directors said, "we are thrilled to welcome our new executive director, and we are confident that Erin's particular theater experience will move APAC into the next phase of growth and help her to lead this organization we all love so well."

Erin Moore is a graduate of the Master of Arts program in Arts Administration at Teachers College, Columbia University, and completed her Bachelor's degree in English at the University of California, Los Angeles. She has worked with theaters and performing arts organizations across New York City since 2011, including organizations such as the American Associates of the National Theatre, Lincoln Center Corporate Fund, Signature Theatre Company, and Second Stage Theatre. Her professional theatre career began over ten years ago in Los Angeles, where she has been a company member at organizations including Theatre West and the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum. She is also known for her tenure on the cult classic soap opera, "Santa
Barbara," in which she portrayed Samantha Capwell.

Astoria Performing Arts Center (APAC), a not-for-profit organization, was founded in 2001 by Sue Scannell (Founding Executive Director, 2001-2005) and Brian J. Swasey (Founding Artistic Director, 2001-2008). APAC's mission is 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, and APAC also develops new works through readings and workshops. Its flexible theater space changes with each production. To date, APAC has received 22 New York Innovative Theatre Award nominations and 5 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?). APAC was the recipient of the 2012 Caffe Cino Fellowship Award, under the leadership of Taryn
Sacramone (APAC Executive Director, 2005-2013).

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.

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