By Kevin Zimmerman
After a nearly year-long search, the Astoria Performing Arts Center’s board of directors announced Erin Moore has been tapped as its new executive director.
“I am thrilled to be joining APAC as the new executive director,” Moore said. “It is an honor to be entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining APAC’s legacy of excellence and continuing its integral role in the cultural community of Astoria and Long Island City.”
Since its founding in 2001, APAC has produced revivals of musicals and plays as well as introducing audiences to new works, like last year’s world premiere of Sandy Rustin’s “The Cottage.”
The company runs its office out of the Kaufman Astoria Studios and produces its shows at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church on Crescent Street near 30th Road.
“I am personally excited to become a part of this vibrant theatrical community, as I get to know the artists, artisans, and audiences who have been part of the APAC family for so many years, as well as the new faces the coming months and years will bring to APAC’s performances and community programs,” Moore said.
Moore’s first task as executive director will be overseeing APAC’s production of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II’s “Allegro,” directed by Tom Wojtunik, APAC’s artistic director, which opens May 1.
Moore holds a master’s in arts administration from Columbia University, and has worked for various theater and performing arts groups, including Lincoln Center Corporate Fund, Signature Theatre Co. and Second Stage Theatre. Her resumé even includes a stint on the soap opera “Santa Barbara.”
Moore replaces Taryn Sacramone, who resigned last June to accept a similar post with Queens Theatre in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
“We are thrilled to welcome our new executive director,” Shelly Felder, president of APAC’s board, said. “We are confident that Erin’s particular theater experience will move APAC into the next phase of growth and help her to lead this organization we all love so well.”
