Prestige Performing Arts
Call: 631-651-8878
Text: 631-460-5552
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!
Joe DiCanio
Acting Director & Acting For Camera Instructor
Joe was born and raised on Long Island, NY. Quoting Disney films and books since the age of three, Joe fed his hunger for the business by graduating from Five Towns College, Magna Cum Laude, with a degree in Fine Arts completing their Film Program in 2013. While completing his course studies, he wrote, directed, and produced three short films earning him many nominations from the Film Program’s prestigious Luminary Awards. Out of hundreds of films submitted, his won Best Actress, and back to back Best Director and Best Cinematography awards during his Junior and Senior years.
Straight out of college Joe began working as a Videographer across Long Island, shooting high school sporting events, countless plays, weddings, sweet sixteens, as well as directing and producing several commercials. Joe also worked for two years at several prominent acting schools on Long Island, directing children 5-17 both in front of and behind the camera. He worked with them one on one, and in small and large groups, while filming and editing their work for plays and shows. He teamed up with parents and students creating talent reels for agents and college applications. Joe collaborated with teachers and directors to meet the student’s goals both in the classroom and on set.
In the film industry Joe has worked as Assistant to the Director of the film “I Am Michael” starring James Franco and Zachary Quinto. He also worked as a Production Assistant and Assistant Director for several short films and music videos. After being accepted to two Long Island/New York City based film festivals, Joe moved to Los Angeles for a year to gain more knowledge of the industry. Quickly realizing his heart was truly in New York, he returned to Long Island and has decided to share his passion with others. For the more serious students, he will help them gain the knowledge and skills to succeed in a competitive business. Joe truly believes that his Acting Department at Prestige Performing Arts will best prepare students to perform in front of audiences and cameras. He and his staff of instructors guarantee to help them grow as individuals by harvesting their self confidence and talent and bringing it to life on the stage and screen!
Megan Rabba
Musial Production Instructor
Megan is a dual-certified Special Education and General Education teacher, who has worked in almost every aspect of theater from performance to production since childhood, participating in classes and community theater productions all over Long Island and continuing that work while studying Drama at Ithaca College, and later going on to earn a Masters Degree in Teaching from Pace University.
While teaching in New York City school system, Megan used theater and performance to improve students' confidence, oral reading, fluency and expression. She incorporated performance arts, including script work, music, and movement into her teaching and has seen these techniques benefit students of all levels and areas of need.
In 2011, Megan co-founded SoLuna Studio in Hauppauge, where she served as the Director of Education. In that role, Megan created the curriculum and taught all youth classes and productions, growing the program to include almost 200 students by 2019. At SoLuna Studio, Megan has directed over 50 productions for students of all ages, as well as serving as Technical Director for 6 seasons of MainStage shows.
As a theater educator, Megan is passionate about fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment where students can feel comfortable, confident, and supported by their peers. She aims to encourage a love of theater, to develop skills in the dramatic arts, and to use theater instruction to build confidence and self-esteem onstage and off - using performance techniques to help all students excel on the stage, in the classroom, and beyond.
Courtney
Music Instructor
Courtney's music has brought her to concert halls and events across the country, including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and even the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. She has sang with the Massapequa Philharmonic, the Chordettes Barbershop Quartet and was a Renova Music Festival instrumental soloist. Obtaining her Bachelor of Arts in Music from Hofstra University, she also performed as a featured vocal and instrumental soloist with various campus groups and at the Dorothy B. Hoag Honors Recital. For nearly a decade she has taught students from ages 3-83 preparing many for excellence in adjudicated performances. Under her tutelage students have advanced in auditions for both county and state-wide ensembles and productions. Preparing herself for these challenging roles, Courtney studied under pianist and vocal coach Violetta Zabbi and operatic soprano and Professor of Voice Tammy Hensrud. Courtney also collaborated with and studied under Dr. David Fryling, Director of Choral Activities at Hofstra, in the select Chorale and Chamber Choir. He said of Courtney that she “went above and beyond just learning the notes…she truly made music”.
Courtney joined the staff of Prestige Performing Arts in 2022, and looks forward to sharing her knowledge and inspiring students in the art of voice and music!!