JB: Dev is an incredible artist, first and foremost. Her unflagging enthusiasm and dedication to her work make her an excellent partner. We've worked together before, so we have a good sense of each other's strengths and weaknesses. (One of those weaknesses is a shared love of giant banana splits.) BORO: Why is APAC so important in a community like Astoria? JB: I think it's vital that every community have art that is made by and for that community. APAC would not exist without the hard work and support of Astoria-based artists, and it also wouldn't exist without the audiences who return again and again to see our latest production. We play a vital role in Astoria by providing innovative programming to a community that wants this kind of work in their neighborhood. BORO: What does Astoria offer that an audience may miss in a Manhattan theater? JB: Intimacy. A sense of connection with the staff and the artists. The chance to see us continue to develop right in your backyard. BORO: Tell us a little about your professional background. JB: For most of my career, I've been working in arts administration at various organizations in Brooklyn, where I live. I've worked at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), St. Ann's Warehouse and the Brooklyn Center for the Performing at Brooklyn College. I have also worked in academia; I've just spent the last year as the acting head of the MFA in performing arts management at Brooklyn College, and I'm the co-author of a textbook, “Performing Arts Management: A Handbook of Professional Practices.” BORO: APAC has been nurturing new works. Can you tell us a little about the new series? JB: Both Dev and I are particularly interested in new works; in fact, APAC's last two fall plays have both been world premieres. Our next production will be a series of short plays and musicals called Astoria Stories, performing in February 2016. Writers will apply for the program, and those chosen will be paired with a location in Astoria and will write a 10-minute piece about that location. Those pieces will be combined into a full evening of short performances. Administration: Kaufman Astoria Studios 3412 36th St., Ste. 1/232, MB 40 Astoria, NY 11106 718-706-5750 Theater: Good Shepherd United Methodist Church 30-44 Crescent St. (at 30th Road) Astoria, NY 11102 www.apacny.org DECEMBER 2015 I BOROMAG.COM I 7
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