Theatrical, Dance and Voice Training at New York Performing Arts Center

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. This series is as much about supporting companies as it is about celebrating the places and faces that make our community special.

Our spotlight today is on Annamarie Mastroberardino and Carol Grabbe.

Business: New York Performing Arts Center
Owners: Annamarie Mastroberardino & Carol Grabbe
Website: www.nyperformingartscenter.com
Address: 378 Halstead Ave, Harrison, NY
Contact_Info: Annamarie Mastroberardino 914-358-4222 nypacenter@gmail.com

How did you come up with the name?

We wanted it to reflect a city vibe as well as the essence of what our studio was all about : New York City training in a suburban setting.

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?

Both owners are lifetime friends and Harrison residents. Mastroberardino still resides in Harrison. We initially opened our business in White Plains in 2009. After three years of struggling due to poor location we saw a for lease sign on a building in downtown Harrison. We decided to make the move and give our business one more try. It was the best decision we could have made!

We started the business because both of our daughters were interested on training I. All areas of performing arts: dance , voice, theater. We thought putting training of all the disproves ubder one roof made sense.

Briefly, what business are you in?

Children’s trading studio offering professional instruction in Dance, Voice and Musical Theater

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

Before we moved to Hatrison we were on the verge of closing our business . When the location in Harrison opened up we made the decision to give it one last try.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?

Long hours and no pay for several years can really make you second guess your decision. Knowing that service we were offering our customers was special was what made us continue on, even I. Those times of doubt.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

Watching our students grow into beautiful, talented Dancers, Singers, and Actors, as well as confident young adults !

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?

It would have to be our “FROZEN musical theater camp series this past summer! The first time In NYPAC history that out camps sold out. All give weeks! Who doesn’t love Frozen?

How do you deal with difficult customers?

In our business we are dealing with parents most precious commodity, their children. Being mothers ourselves, we are able to look at difficulties from both a parents perspective, and a business owners perspective . We establish rules and guidelines from the moment a child enters our program, and parents are aware of what they can expect from us and what we expect from them. It’s pretty bl am and white. We are not saying we do not have difficult us timers but being organized and up front from the beginning is key to avoiding those difficulty that may arise.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

We are strong believers that the children on our studio can give back by using their talents. Our cSHIWSTOPPERS Youth Performance Company as well as our Competitive Dance Team performs at local community and Charity such as relay for life, light the night, and Dancers Responding to AIDS.

The plan behind this series at Patch is to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

This is as much about supporting local businesses as it is about celebrating the places and faces that make our community special.

Click here to get to a simple form where local business owners can answer a few quick questions to be part of this ongoing feature.