The Studio and Forum of Scenic Arts, located in Cornwall, NY, is a newly formed vocational school taught by working professionals dedicated to training students and union apprentices for careers as artists in theatre and film. It is a place for artists to come together and learn from some of the best names in the business. Over the past decades, students have been forced into the field of scenic arts with diminishing knowledge of all aspects of the craft. The mission of this school is to expose students to these skills before they enter the field, which will not only raise the standard of what a beginning scenic artist is capable of but will also regenerate the traditional techniques of scene painting. The schools intension is to develop skill and self-confidence in the students through an education that is based upon hands-on experience and expected fieldwork, as well as classroom education.
The school has been formed by Joseph Forbes and Janet Stapelman, whom are both members of USA 829. Forbes is the owner of Scenic Art Studios Inc., which is a scene painting shop responsible for one-third of the scenery produced for Broadway. Stapelman is a master scenic artist who has dedicated her life to the craft. The experience and knowledge of these two professionals have come together to form the school that they feel would benefit any aspiring scenic artist.
The faculty at The Studio and Forum of Scenic Arts is composed of professional scenics, whom are all members of USA 829. The schedule has been designed to accommodate working professionals and full time students by being held on Thursday nights and all day Saturdays. They also have three scholarships that will be awarded to students each year. Training results in a Certificate of Completion from the school. Classes will get under way this fall.
The Studio and Forum of Scenic Arts is located one hour north of Manhattan off Route 9W in the town of Cornwall. It is accessible by train on the Hudson Line of Metro North. The school is a 10-minute drive from the Beacon train station.
For additional information or to set up an interview please contact The Studio and Forum of Scenic Arts and ask for Susan Payne.
Studio and Forum of Scenic Arts
2 Mill Street
Cornwall, NY 12518
www.studioandforum.org
Phone: 845-534-1110
Fax: 845-534-3633