Testimonials

The Wiz was amazing! The cast, the crew, the producing, the choreography, the vocals, the staging, the costumes, everything was over the top! Thank you so much for all of your hard work in putting such a fabulous show together. Thank you for making even my little perfomer feel so important and so proud to be part of something so grand. We had an amazing journey.

Renee Palermo is CAP21's September 2011 Featured Alumi!

What have you been up to since you finished training at CAP21?

After I graduated from CAP, I did the NYC actor/auditioning thing for about seven years. I was very fortunate to work on national tours and at many wonderful regional theatres right out of school. During that time I also taught dance (my minor was in Dance Education). I even taught in CAP 21's summer program. Right after I got married, I began commuting to NJ to teach at the studio that I now own and run as the Artistic Director. Over the past 9 years, with great collaborators, I have built up a very solid program that teaches all forms of dance, as well as acting and voice to children ages 2-18. We have amazingly talented teachers, most of who commute from the city, to work with our students. We train not only recreational kids, but also kids who are looking to pursue Musical Theatre as a career. My "Company Kids" as we refer to them are on a set curriculum that I designed based on the core classes I was given as a freshman at CAP 21. I aim to help children become "actors who sing and dance" as I was taught to be at CAP 21. I have also written a young children's Musical Theatre Curriculum called Leap 'N Learn^© for Musical Theatre. As of last summer, that book is being sold to studio owners and those who teach higher education all over the world. Read Full Article

-CAP21, September 2011

Our son has been attending Front & Center since he was 4 years old. Six year end shows, 2 mid year productions, and countless studio hours honing his "triple threat" craft -- What a long way he's come with the help of F&C's talented and dedicated instructors and staff. We're as proud to be a part of the F&C family as we are that they are a part of ours!

My daughter has learned more than how to dance, sing and act. She has gained self-confidence and self-assurance. My daughter spends at least 16 hours a week at Front & Center and would sleep there if she could. One of the thing that struck me as being someplace outstanding compared to others is the way the kids treat the other kids. The older kids mentor the younger ones and the younger ones mentor the little ones. Its a family. Pure and simple.

I have been at the studio for 4 years, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. I only wish I had started earlier. Originally, I was just a singer and I came to get a little dance training because I wanted to do musical theater. I thought it would be good to have a bit of dance ability. I never expected how much I would love it or how much I would progress in my dancing, as well as my acting and vocal abilities All the teachers are phenomenal. They really know how to make someone the best they can be, but they do it in a caring way. Most importantly, its FUN! I always look forward to my time at the studio.

There are a variety of classes including Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, Hip Hop, Acting, Voice, and Musical Theater. No matter what class or classes you take, you are sure to have fun and learn a lot. It really is a family here. The friendships I have made in my classes and just hanging around the studio will last for the rest of my life. Also, Page and Renee are always there for someone when they need to talk about something serious or needs a laugh. Renee is an expert in the performing arts, and it is amazing to work with her and listen to what she has to say about the business. She is a brilliant director and really cares about each of us. She does everything she can to challenge everyone at the studio, and is really fun! Page is like a second mom to every single person at F&C . Her door is always open to talk and she is probably the funniest person I have met in my life.

A great program they have at F&C which adds to the family-like experience is the Assisting Program in which an older student at the studio is placed into a younger kids' class with a great teacher as an Assistant Teacher. This not only bridges the gap between the little kids and adult teachers, but it develops a bond between the older kids and younger kids at the studio. All these things, as well as many more, bring everyone at the studio together to form an accepting, loving, and nurturing family. At F&C, there are classes in voice and acting, as well as dance That is different than a lot of other studios, where the focus is almost entirely dance. This is one reason as to why there are numerous boys, like myself, at Front and Center; the idea that it is NOT just a bunch of girls prancing around in tutus, but acting, singing, and dancing, makes it a lot more appealing. You can start off with taking an acting or musical theater class, and then try some dance classes. Trust me, you're missing out if you don't try at least one.

At first I was afraid it would be too "girly," like a lot of boys do, especially Ballet, but now I absolutely LOVE IT! There are a lot of boys around the studio, which also makes it better when you're starting out because you see the other guys doing it, so you think that if they can do it, you can do it. I love everything about F&C and highly recommend it. Trust me, it'll be worth it if you try a class.

"I just want to thank you for teaching my daughter this year. This was her first experience in a dance program and she enjoyed herself a great deal. She has always been a reluctant performer, yet by the year-end show she was quite comfortable doing the routine she was taught. My wife and I would constantly catch her practicing her moves at home. And the smile on her face during the year-end show was priceless. She clearly loved the experience. Lastly, I just want to compliment everyone at Front & Center for running such a terrific program. The organization and professionalism displayed throughout the year was top-notch. And best of all, you made it fun for my daughter. Thank you so much!"

"During our seven years as a Front & Center family, the studio has developed an amazing repertoire of classes and teachers. Whether your child is interested in dance, musical theater, acting, or singing, F&C offers a wide variety of top-notch classes for students of all abilities.

In an environment that manages to be both professional and fun, both of my daughters have found a home away from home at F&C. For my eldest, who is passionate about the performing arts, F&C's dance and performing arts companies have provided a fabulous training ground. With five levels of classes, and teachers who are professional performers and choreographers, F&C's program is like no other in our area when it comes to developing triple threat performers.

For my younger daughter, who loves to dance, act, and sing but isn't interested in the level of commitment that the performing arts companies require, F&C offers a wide variety of classes that allow her to feed her appetite for the performing arts, while still leaving time for other activities.

And we all appreciate the positive environment that F&C creates as well as the strong sense of camaraderie and pride that is so evident among its students."

"Our daughter has had a great experience going on 5 years at Front & Center. The teachers are great. The staff is great. She's made wonderful friends and has found a home away from home where she can grow as a performer for years to come."

"F&C is amazing in nurturing talent. Not only has my 9yr old daughter loved being a part of the F&C family for over 5 years, but she is growing beautifully as a dancer and a person. Never had one complaint to get ready for class. It's a wonderful environment and the talent and staff are getting better each year."

"Thank you for a great year at FNC. It is such a pleasure to be a part of the FNC family where everyone is always so helpful, respectful, and friendly. I always look forward to my Tuesday nights. I am looking forward to next Fall!"

"Standing Ovation for 'Thoroughly Modern Millie'"

Talented and professional youths perform from the Front & Center Performing Arts Center - A must see.

And well deserved it was. This weekend, "Thoroughly Modern Millie" is being performed by the Front & Center Performing Arts Company at Ridge Performing Arts Center. My opinion - Buy a ticket and GO!

The very capable Senior Cast put on last night's show and will perform again today at 1:30 pm. The Junior Cast will perform tonight at 7:30 pm and again tomorrow for the 1:30 matinee. Having seen the Junior Cast rehearse the other day, there is no doubt their performance will be equally as good.

Tickets can be purchased at the door for $25 (orchestra seating) or $10.

Kudos to Director Renee Palermo and her production staff. "Millie" is a BIG show with 22 musical numbers, lots of choreography and numerous set changes. Last night's show moved seamlessly from one number to the next; the actors comfortably handling the stage, set and each other. Either Ms. Palermo is an expert at casting or her students should be heading to Broadway any day now; these actors played their parts to a tee, neither overacting nor acting awkwardly.