The Westchester Performing Arts Accelerator, WPAA, helps artists develop essential resources and distribution capabilities by providing a pathway to a
live video broadcast, recording sessions, marketing support, professional advisors and digital crowdsourcing tools to fund tuition costs.
If you are a…
• Band with a growing following, but currently without the resources and access to produce new music
• Working playwright or actor who needs a venue to stage a new musical or play
• Dancer/choreographer looking to stage a new performance piece
• Hard working comedian crafting a new special
The WPAA can be the place for you to realize your next project. Executive Director Dan Tashman has assembled some of the best venues, studios and media
partners in Westchester to support local artists as they plan, produce, execute and distribute their next professional projects.
To help artists cover tuition costs, the WPAA has partnered with LaunchMusic, a digital crowdfunding platform specifically designed for musicians
and performing artists. Accepted applicants work with the WPAA, LMC Media and LaunchMusic to plan and produce a crowdfunding campaign
with sale-able ‘perks’ that an artists’ supporters can purchase to fund tuition.
Funded artists will be provided audio, video and photography services, leading up to a live performance broadcast on LMC Media’s platforms. Artists will also receive advisory services from Westchester industry professionals and marketing and design support to develop their brand identity/press kit.
Participating venues and vendors include The Emelin Theatre in Mamaroneck, LAB Media Empire in New Rochelle, Frequency Recording in White Plains and
LMC Media in Mamaroneck with additional venues and vendors to be announced soon.
“Most of us realize how much local artists need our support these days, but we also need to understand how much we need them,” Tashman said. “We need
them to keep Westchester the vibrant, creative community it is, and help it continue to evolve to become the place we want it to be. This program allows local
artists a pathway to continue speaking their voice, their art, their purpose, at a time when traditional resources may not be available.”
Applications for enrollment begin Monday, Sept. 21, 2020 and conclude Friday, Nov. 13, 2020 for the 2021 Program. (Submitted)
