New Haven Academy of Performing Arts

Business Details

13 Years

experience

Your Premier Destination for Performing Arts Education in East Haven

Since 2013, New Haven Academy of Performing Arts has been dedicated to nurturing confidence, creativity, and artistic growth in students of all ages. Our mission is to provide comprehensive training in music, acting, and dance through personalized instruction and collaborative performance opportunities. With a team of award-winning instructors who are also practicing professionals, we offer private and group lessons in voice, piano, guitar, rock band, acting, musical theatre, and danceall within a state-of-the-art facility designed to foster artistic expression.

Our commitment to safety and inclusivity ensures every student feels welcome and supported, while our performance-based curriculum prepares them for real-world artistic challenges. From beginners to advanced performers, we tailor our programs to meet individual needs, helping students discover their unique talents and reach their full potential. Our community-focused approach creates a family-like environment where students build lifelong friendships and skills that extend far beyond the stage.

Services

Voice Lessons Piano Instruction Guitar/Bass Lessons Drum Classes Ukulele Instruction Acting Training Musical Theatre Dance Classes Rock Band Programs Adult Acting Classes

Details

Year established: 2013

Highlights and features

Award-winning instructors with professional performance experience
No long-term contracts required for lesson enrollment
Family Safety Plan certified with transparent teaching environments
Most awarded performing arts academy in Connecticut
Epic student performances in our on-site Cabaret theater

What people say

Amazing vocal transformation Confidence has grown Supportive environment Professional instructors Best in Connecticut

Website

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Services

Voice Lessons

Our voice lessons combine technical training with artistic expression to develop vocal range, control, and performance skills. Students work with experienced instructors who tailor techniques to individual needs, whether preparing for auditions, building a music career, or simply improving their singing ability. The program emphasizes proper breathing, pitch accuracy, and stylistic versatility across musical genres.

Rock Band Classes

Rock Band programs teach students to collaborate in a band setting while developing instrumental and vocal skills. Participants learn classic and modern rock songs, practice ensemble coordination, and perform live at our Cabaret theater. The curriculum builds musicality, stage presence, and teamwork through weekly rehearsals and optional private instrument lessons for foundational skill development.

Acting Training

Acting classes focus on character development, scene study, and performance techniques for stage and screen. Students engage in improvisation exercises, monologue work, and ensemble productions that build confidence and emotional expression. The program prepares performers for auditions, competitions, and professional opportunities through instruction from industry-experienced coaches.

Dance Classes

Dance instruction covers multiple styles including ballet, jazz, tap, and contemporary performance dance. Classes emphasize proper technique, choreography, and performance readiness while accommodating all skill levels from beginner to advanced. Students participate in recitals and theater productions to showcase their progress in a professional setting.

Musical Theatre

Musical theatre programs integrate singing, acting, and dance to prepare students for stage productions. Participants learn audition techniques, character interpretation, and performance stamina through workshop-style rehearsals. The curriculum culminates in full-scale productions that provide comprehensive experience in theatrical storytelling and ensemble performance.

People

Billy DiCrosta

Founder/Vocal Instructor

Billy DiCrosta is a professional vocal coach and performer with decades of experience in music education and performance. He has trained students from beginners to professional artists while maintaining an active performance career. His teaching philosophy emphasizes technical mastery combined with artistic expression.

Neil Fuentes

Acting Instructor

Neil Fuentes brings extensive theater experience to his acting instruction, having worked professionally as both performer and director. He specializes in character development and stagecraft, helping students build authentic performances through practical techniques and real-world application. His students have appeared in regional and professional productions.

Questions

What performing arts programs do you offer?

We provide voice lessons, piano, guitar, drum instruction, rock band classes, acting training, musical theatre, and dance programs for ages 4 through adult.

Do you accept beginners?

Yes! Our curriculum accommodates all skill levels from absolute beginners to advanced performers through age-appropriate programs like Little Rockers for ages 4-7.

Are there performance opportunities?

Students showcase their skills in regular Cabaret theater productions, summer shows, and semester-end performances that simulate professional performance environments.

What safety measures are in place?

As a Family Safety Plan certified school, we maintain transparent teaching spaces, background-checked staff, security cameras, and supervised lessons to ensure student safety.

Do you offer trial lessons?

Yes, we encourage prospective students to book a trial lesson to experience our teaching approach and facility before committing to regular classes.

What areas do you serve?

While based in East Haven, we serve students throughout the New Haven metropolitan area and surrounding Connecticut communities.

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Reviews (7)

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Random Idiot

Dec 22, 2021 Report

Nhaopa has changed my life even if Ive only been there for a few years now. It has taught me how to become a better dancer, actress, and singer just in these past few years alone. The teachers genuinely care about every single student that goes here. The first year I had believed that I would hate it because I never had any experience with theater, only dance, yet the first day I went I felt welcomed by everyone immediately. Its like a second home to me now, a second family if you will. You get to grow and improve with people that care about you and that you can trust. It has helped me gain

Yolanda Russell

Jun 23, 2021 Report

Great experience for children interested in performing arts (singing, acting, playing piano, voice lessons). Fun and creative environment-instructors are very hands on and will push each student to their maximum potential.

Rosa Ortiz

Apr 30, 2021 Report

Today was my consultation and I was extremely nervous and anxious. Neil, one of the owners, came outside to meet me and showed me around. I was immediately put at ease by his warm inviting personality and positive energy. My instructor Sergio was extremely patient with me and took his time walking me through the exercises. Billy, the other owner, was wonderful with the sign up process and all three gave me great hope that I can finally realize my dream of learning to sing. I am so SUPER excited

Cheryl

Apr 01, 2021 Report

Our daughter joined the summer camp program 3 years ago, the experience was so amazing that she did not want to leave. We have watched her grow in confidence and talent each year while developing friendships that have supported and encouraged her every step of the way. Billy, Neil and the entire staff have embraced our daughters individuality since her first day. They recognized skills she didnt know she had, encouraged her to work towards them which taught her to exhibit a new found confidence that will help her to be successful in any field on or off the stage. Thank you so much for creating

Jess

Mar 17, 2021 Report

Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
We love it here! Our daughter has so much fun at summer camp, she also takes music and voice lessons. The staff is friendly, professional, and uplifting. They are accommodating as well, if we can't make it in person we have the option to do it virtual.

Marcella Goodwin

Feb 26, 2021 Report

Such an amazing place for the youth. The instructors truly care about the youth and are so dedicated. NHAOPA has made such a positive change in my daughter. She now has self confidence and believes in herself and her dreams.

Jo-Mel L. McPhail

Feb 24, 2021 Report

My Missy started at NHAOPA in late 2015 on a whim and never looked back. She's learned and grown so much all while having fun and building lasting, meaningful relationships. Through this pandemic, Billy, Neil and the teachers at NHAOPA have managed to navigate ever changing rules and regulations to keep the kids safe and allow them to do what they love. Theyve allowed for some normalcy for my daughter. Shes been able to continue classes, vocal lessons and summer intensive (both virtually and in person). Most importantly, theyve allowed her the opportunity to be with her friends in a safe