About
Welcome to WPCA Academy!
The Western Pennsylvania Center for the Performing Arts Academy is a small non-profit organization located in a historic building in Verona, PA was recently renovated to house six studios and a large group instruction room. Our purpose is to encourage and support participation, education, and enjoyment of visual and performing arts by all and to advance excellence in the presentation of cultural activities in the region of Western PA.
Meet our staff:
Bonnie Myers-Toward, program coordinator - 1984 graduate of the Duquesne University School of Music BSME on violin and piano. In 1992, she received a Masters in Education from the University of Pittsburgh. Since 1986, Bonnie has been the orchestra director at the South Butler County Schools. In 2008, she was awarded "Outstanding Music Educator from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Education and Outreach program.
Ralph Toward, technical director, secretary, treasurer - Ralph has a degree in business management and accounting and has also been trained in micro-circuitry and electronics in Canada. He has several years experience creating laser shows for orchestra programs. He has worked with members of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Reba McEntire, L.L. Cool J, and others.
We invite you to visit us...
The WPCA Academy building was purchased in the winter of 2013. As far as we know, the building was finished and in working order as far back as 1880. In the past, this building has been used as a restaurant and a bar (and bootlegging during Prohibition!) In 2013, this building at 300 James Street had been closed for 20 years and was in a deplorable state. The repairs and restoration at WPCA Academy took 3.5 years to complete, but we are now excited to welcome the public to our space!