By Sally Fitz, ACT Treasurer and Grants Coordinator, ACT
Oct. 25, 2023: The long-running Actors Conservatory Theatre (ACT) which takes up residence at Taylor Hall at Christ Church this fall is proud to call Bronxville their new home.
Well-known in the arts community and a four-time Best of Westchester recipient, ACT is a non-profit organization and one of the longest running community theatres in Westchester. ACT’s mission is to provide quality theater to Westchester audiences at a reasonable cost, to assist young actors and technicians in the world of theater, and to encourage volunteerism within the community.
This November, ACT will make its Bronxville debut with the Broadway hit Sister Act under the direction of Armand Paganelli, and the musical direction of Stephen Ferri, Executive Producer & Musical Director of White Plains Performing Arts Center.
Founded in 1975 by Arlene Wendt, ACT is today led by her daughter, Janice Paganelli, who is also the Resident Choreographer, House Manger and Co-Producer of ACT’s Junior Troupe.
ACT has staged over 130 main-stage productions in its 49-year history, including comedies, dramas, musicals and original works. They have conducted numerous acting workshops for children, beginner actors and scene study workshops for experienced performers. Many, in part thanks to ACT, have gone on to successful careers in TV, film and theater.
Since 2003, ACT’s Junior Troupe has produced an annual musical with young performers, grades 5 through 12, led by Janice Paganelli and George Croom and the same professional-level production team as their main stage projects. Each year Junior Troupe performers experience the fun and hard work of participating in a high-quality theatrical production – tuition free!
“In 2022, we lost our theater space of 23 years, which prompted a year-long search for a new theater home,” Ms. Paganelli reports. “We are so happy to have found such a beautiful performance space at Taylor Hall and such a welcoming community.”
ACT has an extensive and growing volunteer base who assist with ushering, concessions, set construction, lighting and backstage duties. And as an affiliate of Arts Westchester, ACT is participating in its Art$W Challenge Grant program where donations to ACT before December 31 may be matched dollar-for-dollar. If interested in volunteering or making a gift, please visit ACT’s website: www.actshows.org
ACT’s next production at Taylor Hall is Sister Act, which opens on November 10 and runs for two weekends. Tickets are available via ACT’s website: www.actshows.org