Ossining Couple Opening Performing Arts School

CROTON-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. – Ossining resident Carol Arrucci has taught musical theater for years, but it was a few Briarcliff Manor students who inspired her to bring that dream to all of Westchester County.

Arrucci, who is also a music teacher in the Hendrick Hudson School District, has worked all over Westchester County teaching musical theater. Now Arrucci is hoping to bring all of the surrounding communities together at her own performing arts studio in Croton. Next weekend, Arrucci’s dream will become a reality with the grand opening of The Cortlandt School of Performing Arts on Sept. 9.

“After rehearsal for (the Briarcliff School District’s 2012 musical) ‘Sugar,’ several of the students told me that I should start a program of my own,” Arrucci said. “I had been teaching these performances a thousand times all over but those kids were the ones who inspired me to really put something together for everyone. It’s time for this to be a reality.

“Every day after teaching at school, I would go from one town to another trying to work on so many programs,” Arrucci said. “And I really wanted them to be able to work and meet with each other because we have so much tremendous talent around here. And this is really not offered anywhere near here.”

Arrucci said she is trying to bring the most talented staff with her. So far, she’s recruited eight teachers from the area to help her. Once it opens, the studio will be home to dozens of theater and music classes, including acting, community choir, world drumming and individual voice and instrument lessons.

The two classes she is most excited about revolve around the family and the hit TV show “Glee.”

“We’re going to be putting a traveling show together called ‘Revolution’ that’s going to feature teens doing modern music selections complete with a drummer and dancing and singing,” Arrucci said. “It’s going to be sparkly and wonderful and I think people are going to love it.”

Arruci’s husband and business partner, Ray, said there is a huge need for a local performing arts studio.

“There really isn’t anything like this until you get out to White Plains,” he said. “This is something that should be around in every town. She’s taught so many kids from Ossining to Briarcliff Manor to Croton, and I think a lot of them are looking for their talents to grow and thrive. I think the timing and place for this is perfect.”

While the new studio will take up most of her time, Carol Arrucci said she plans to do the Briarcliff High School musical next year.

“I had so much fun working on ‘Sugar.’ I love working with (Briarcliff Theater Director) Ian Driver,” she said. “Ian is such a talent and he and the amazing kids at that school are going to keep me coming back.”

Those looking for more information are asked to visit the studio’s website.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Ossining and receive free news updates.