HURLEYVILLE, NY — The Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre (HPAC) has truly “come into its own,” said CEO Christina Antizzo, reflecting on the organization’s progress. 

While leadership is an important aspect of success, the remarkable growth for HPAC is clearly a group effort.  The “team,” as Antizzo has called them, consists of an additional eight people dedicating their efforts to creating this vibrant hub for the arts and culture. It is, Antizzo said, a workplace where everyone feels valued and driven to give their best.

The result is that HPAC radiates excitement, launching initiatives that are propelling it into the limelight. Central to these efforts is a host of complimentary offerings, including educational film screenings during the week that have schools eagerly participating, outdoor movie nights designed for children, and interactive activities that welcome parents or caregivers and their young ones.

A strong focus on affordability, combined with a commitment to delivering high-quality programs, forms the foundation of efforts to provide enriching opportunities to the community, Antizzo said. This blend ensures that meaningful experiences are accessible for everyone.

Here is a glimpse of some of the offerings available:

Monthly celebrations honoring various cultures, communities and social issues. This includes free programming and films for the community, and features films such as “RBG,” the Ruth Bader Ginsberg documentary, and “Iron Jawed Angels,” a film for Women’s History Month.

Monthly crafting workshops for children and adults, led by program coordinator Megan Dewitt.

A booming children’s educational enrichment program, hosted by instructor Adrienne. The program features books, music and even pottery wheels, allowing children and their parents or caregivers to join the fun, learn and build a community.

Engaging senior programming that encourages socialization, such as Board and Brilliant, in which participants can play cards and board games with other seniors and community members.

Adult-only offerings such as comedy shows, for those aged 18 and up.

Live music performances by local artists at HPAC and the adjacent Tango Café. Shows include jazz band performances and up-and-coming stars.

Dance lessons with top-notch instructors. Types of dance include ballroom, salsa, tango and line dancing. Classes embrace all experience levels.

There are five free community festivals each year, which offer entertainment and bring in vendors from the surrounding area. Each event culminates in an outdoor movie at dusk. This year’s lineup of festivals includes Spring Bloom (May), the Pride Festival (June), the Sullivan County Music Festival (July), the Multicultural Festival (August) and the Harvest Festival (September).

With all that’s happening, HPAC’s cinema is not to be forgotten, Antizzo added. It provides a diverse array of offerings for area residents:

First-run cinema, showing all the blockbuster films available at larger cinemas but close to home.

A senior cinema, with coffee hour and snacks, which offers a sense of inclusion and community.

HPAC’s Sensory Cinema provides thoughtfully curated films for children and adults in a calm, stress-free environment with reduced sensory stimulation.

For seniors, admission costs $10; for kids aged three to 17, the cost is $12; and for adults aged 18 and above, the cost is $14.

And don’t forget the popcorn—it’s made with coconut oil, not butter, and Antizzo said that people rave about it. 

Speaking of food, there is the Tango Café, the restaurant on the premises which acts as a catering kitchen and programming space for the Arts Centre. It serves the public Thursday through Saturday with live music and events in the summer.

One of the most heartfelt stories reflects the Centre’s dedication to community collaboration. When Liberty High School faced a challenge in securing a venue for Prom Night, the school approached HPAC about renting its beautifully appointed ballroom. Concerned the cost might exceed their budget, they shared their financial limitations with Antizzo. Her response was simply, “What is your budget?” The rest, as they say, is history.

HPAC officially became a 501(c)(3) organization in January 2020, just as the pandemic began. While the early days posed challenges, Antizzo describes 2024 as the year HPAC truly came into its own. Developing a sustainable financial model has been critical to the Centre’s success, with funding coming from a mix of business sponsorships, individual donations and grant applications, including a key grant from the Sullivan County Youth Bureau. The ballroom itself has also become a vital income stream, regularly hosting weddings and events.

Antizzo’s involvement with the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce further enhances HPAC’s network and visibility, she said, enabling partnerships like the one with the Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop. That group, based at the Rivoli Theater in Fallsburg, plans to use HPAC’s theater space during winter months, as its current venue lacks heating.

In acknowledging HPAC’s success, Antizzo attributed much of the Centre’s progress to her supportive and hardworking team. “I couldn’t do any of this without my team,” she emphasized, counting herself as a full member of the group. With just nine dedicated staff members, the team juggles numerous responsibilities, ensuring HPAC thrives as a hub of creativity and community engagement.

For Antizzo, HPAC represents more than just a venue; it is the “anchor of Hurleyville.” She and her team continue to innovate and expand the Centre, bringing even more opportunities, creativity and vibrancy to the community.