APAC's Executive Director Taryn Sacramone

How did you arrive at APAC? What path brought you here?

Post-college, I moved to New York with ideas about acting and ideas about law school. I got a fantastic job at the Social Science Research Council and learned about nonprofits. At the same time, I studied acting at the Atlantic Theater. My appetite for theater grew but my appetite for pursuing acting lessened. I moved to Astoria in 2002, and was inspired by how culturally rich and interesting it was as a neighborhood. I remember the morning that it hit me: more than anything else in the world, I wanted to run a nonprofit theater in Astoria. All of my interests converged with that one realization. I reached out to everyone I knew, asking for advice on how to make that dream happen. I met Seth Bornstein, who is now the ED at the Queens Economic Development Corporation and he introduced me to Jeff Rosenstock, who was the founder and then-ED of Queens Theatre in the Park. Jeff introduced me to Susan Scannell, who founded APAC and was looking to transition from being its Executive Director. I became the Executive Director on August 24, 2005 – six months to the day after I had my morning epiphany.

What are you known for professionally? What do you have a knack for?

I think that people know how sincerely I believe in what APAC does, and how committed I am to its growth. I have a knack for bringing APAC into any conversation.

What’s the one problem you are best at solving for APAC? What do you people say about you?

I have no idea what people say about me, but I will say that I work well with others, and that I help others work well with others.

What are you most passionate about professionally? What most excites you about your work & the contribution you can make?

I get to champion APAC, to advocate for it, and to encourage others to advocate for it as well. Because our work depends on the generosity of supporters, I operate from a place of constant gratitude. An audience member will send me a check for $10 with a lovely note about the show they saw and it will make my day. I get to facilitate some really incredible work. I work with amazing, capable, funny, hard-working people every day. I get to meet other community leaders. Whether they support APAC or not, I have made real connections with some interesting people- and unforgettable characters-in Queens.

What are you passionate about personally? What do you really enjoy? What can’t you stop talking about?

Queens. I don’t know that I would want to run a theater anywhere else. My husband was born and raised here. We just had a baby, and I am really excited to be raising our son in such an interesting place. And the restaurants in Queens…I’m pretty insufferable if the topic turns to food in Queens. I could talk about it for hours. It’s the best in the city, maybe the world…

Where can we find you when you’re not working? What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?

As a new mother, I suspect “Staring at the Baby” will rank high on my leisure activity list for a while. I also enjoy taking our dog Sunday to the park. I named her for the fact that I met her on a leisurely Sunday afternoon and try to spend extra time with her on her day.

How long have you been doing what you do?

This is my seventh (!) season as APAC’s Executive Director.

Any nonprofits you love other than APAC, & why?

I modeled APAC’s Astoria Playmaking Program after the work they do at Manhattan’s 52nd Street Project. I saw a performance there of original plays written by young teenagers and I was blown away – not so much by the quality of the plays (although they were good!) but by the pride that the children exuded and the energy that the audience gave them. I love every other Queens arts organization, and the people who run them. I know it’s not easy, especially during challenging economic times, and I’m proud of all of us.

What would be impossible for you to give up?

I’m not proud, but this is honest: I’d have a hard time giving up my BlackBerry at this point. I misplace it all the time, so I get little tastes of what life is like without it and I don’t like it.

Why would someone not want to work with you?

See above. Ask any APAC staff member: I am constantly asking them if they’ve seen my BlackBerry.