Holistic Training For Performing Arts
/
Long Islander News photos/Janee Law
Brooke Procida, owner of Studio PCI, said the business teaches students to develop skills in the performing arts and recording arts, while maintaining a holistic approach to the industry.
At Studio PCI, students can master their craft in vocals, acting, auditions, writing, songwriting, guitar, piano, industry guidance and more, through the studios array of classes, workshops, camps, and open jams.
By Janee Law
jlaw@longislandergroup.com
Studio PCI is a new addition to Huntington, teaching students to develop skills in the performing arts and recording arts, while maintaining a holistic approach to the industry.
“Holistic means respect for yourself, others and your environment,” Studio PCI owner Brooke Procida said. “There are ways to take care of your mind, your body and your community. Those three things are so important so we teach all of that here.”
Procida said she opened the 1,000-square-foot location in Huntington because the town is regarded for its artistic community.
“Everybody has a little something different here so I try to offer my own version of different, which I think a lot of it comes out of the creative process for us here,” she said. “Kids can do things from scratch, use their imaginations, collaborate together and learn how to work in a team.”
Students can master their craft in vocals, acting, auditions, writing, songwriting, guitar, piano, industry guidance and more, through the studios array of classes, workshops, camps, and open jams.
With more than 100 students throughout the year, Procida said class sizes are generally 10-20 so that students don’t fall behind.
“We have such a close knit group,” she said. “It’s like a family here and it’s like we were all born into this together somehow. Everyone who comes to me feels that same passion for creating and bringing joy.”
Procida said age range for students is typically 8-18 years old, and hopes to include morning classes for students under age 8 in the future.
“We’re a training ground for kids who are interested in performing arts, but it’s also an industry prep place for kids who want to take this further. We sort of bridge the gap between Long Island and New York City,” Procida, 43, of Huntington Bay, said. “A large part of what we do is help navigate parents because the business can be really overwhelming and there’s a lot of paths you should not go down. I try to be that guide for them because I’ve been through it all myself.”
Procida grew up in Centerport and graduated from Cold Spring Harbor High School in 1991. She went on to earn a bachelor of fine arts degree at University of Southern California in 1995, and then her master’s in holistic arts education at Goldsmiths University of London in 2010.
Since she was a teenager, Procida said she was teaching private lessons and developed the business through the years that followed, finally opening up the 8 West Shore Road location early this month.
“I love that I get to use my knowledge and all of my experience to help other people,” Procida said. “I don’t feel a day goes by where I’m not doing what I’m supposed to do with my talents.”
Regarding upcoming summer camps, Studio PCI will be offering several exciting camps in August, including Pop-Star Mash-Up Camp from Aug. 8-10; Waitress Workshop from Aug. 22-24; and Moana/Trolls Mash-Up Camp and session two of Hamilton Camp from Aug. 29-31.
Studio PCI
8 West Shore Road,
Huntington
631-470-8383
Procidacreative.com
