Minding Your Business- Academy of Performing Arts

The Academy of Performing Arts (APA) on Main Street in Orleans has been knocking them out of the park all summer long. With summer smash hit musicals like “Gypsy,” “Grease” and the upcoming “Godspell,” the theater continues to draw local and summer crowds who enjoy high-quality productions. APA also delivers a fantastic children’s production every summer, and this year it was “The Little Mermaid.” Rounding out the summer shows are a lineup of Black Box plays including “Roe,” “Breaking the Shakespeare Code” and “The Pillowman.” 

With such robust programming, it’s no wonder the Academy draws dedicated actors show after show, year after year.  Artistic Director Judy Hamer has deep connections to local community theater and has built a great sense of community among the actors involved with APA.

“Theater is one of the first ancient ways that people communicated stories with each other,” said Hamer. “It gives you a sense of belonging, of community.”

When asked what keeps the actors coming back for more to the theater, she said, “My whole goal for this place is to make it feel like a family. They’re going to feel like they belong, like they are respected and liked and wanted. I also know that actors love performing on the arena stage. That whole sense of intimacy is a different kind of feeling than most stages.”

The iconic Cape Cod theater is a cornerstone in the local community, providing a vast array of educational programming and entertainment since 1975. Throughout the year the theater offers programming for students seeking all types of lessons, both in private and group settings. Classes include acting, musical theater workshops, singing, private voice lessons and more. 

Jennifer Almeida heads up the educational department at APA and is also the president of the board of trustees. 

“I am grateful to be part of this incredible place as a performer, director, and educator,” she said. “The warmth, the sense of community, and the way it nurtures artists of all ages is something I see and feel every single day. From an educational standpoint, seeing these kids shine on stage is rewarding beyond measure, but it’s the supportive environment we witness and foster that defines what the Academy is for everyone.”

Missy Potash runs the box office and also performs, serves on the board of directors and heads up marketing at the theater. The culture and personal connection she has with the theater runs very deep for her. 

“I fell in love with this theater back in 2013 when I did my very first show here, ‘Crimes of the Heart’ ( directed by Judy Hamer),” Potash said. “I won Best of Cape for that role and wanted to stay forever. I married my wonderful husband in this theater. And my father, who was terminally ill and passed away nine months after my wedding, walked me down the aisle. It is one of my most cherished memories. 

“The Academy of Performing Arts is a theater for all. Regardless of the show we're doing, each cast becomes a little family. And that stretches and expands across to the whole theater. Places like The Academy are far and few these days, and I know we are lucky to have it here.”

Having such an enriching community theater in Orleans is such a treasure and something residents of the Lower Cape feel fortunate about. APA has a great lineup coming up for the fall and winter season, with productions like “Twelfth Night,” which is being directed by Judy Hamer, “Young Frankenstein” and “Into the Woods.” Be sure to check out their website for all of the details on showtimes and ticket sales!

The Academy of Performing Arts

120 Main St., Orleans

508-255-1963

academyplayhouse.org