The Rochester Association of Performing Arts (RAPA), Upstate New York’s oldest and largest professional school of performing arts for all ages, has served a five-county area since 1978. RAPA is chartered by the New York State Board of Regents as a non-profit, professional performing arts school, and is a member of the United Way Volunteer Connection.
RAPA’s mission reflects its commitment to all persons interested in the arts, particularly disadvantaged youth and the community at large. Its purpose is to: "provide professional training to talented children and adults who express an interest in learning skills for a career or for personal enjoyment (and) provides alternative, positive directions for youth-at-risk." RAPA strives to serve a multi-ethnic population through collaborations with ethnic performing and visual arts organizations, and develop additional collaborations with schools, social service agencies and youth service organizations.
Our recent achievements are as follows:
Increased class offerings, including but not limited to: stage management, playwriting, alternative theatre, Shakespeare, musical theatre and acting, world-class dance training, vocal training and piano instruction.
RAPA is home to "RAPA Players", "RAPA Teen Players", and "USA (United Stage Artists)" who perform seasonal productions at an on-site 160-seat cabaret playhouse.
In 1992, the New York State Council of the Arts funded RAPA for a Collaborative Arts in Education program with the East Irondequoit Central School District.
Last year, RAPA was selected by the New York State Council of the Arts to develop a collaborative educational performing arts program with the Greece Central School District.
RAPA has worked with the Girl Scouts providing workshops for scout badges in dance and theatre.
RAPA provides over sixty scholarships a year for disadvantaged youth.
Many of our students have gone on to successful careers performing on Broadway, in movies and on television shows.
Our educational programs in the performing arts have increased student’s academic achievement by increasing their confidence, verbal communication skills, self-esteem, memorization and the desire to be successful.
Last updated: 02/18/12