LEADERSHIP
BILLY DICROSTA, Executive Director/Co-Founder/ Ex-Officio
Veteran actor, singer, teacher Billy DiCrosta brings both business savvy and artistic flair to Veteran actor, singer, teacher Billy DiCrosta brings both business savvy and artistic flair to the Broadway on Main Board of Directors. After studying Vocal Performance/Theater at Western Connecticut State University and then Musical Theater at the Hartt School of Music – University of Hartford, DiCrosta toured the world as a headliner for Celebrity Cruises before returning to East Haven to establish himself as a teacher. He earned accreditation from the International Voice Teachers of Mix (IVTOM)organization and became a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Like his husband Neil Fuentes, DiCrosta worked in the hospitality industry, where he acquired entrepreneurial skills that enabled him to establish the very successful Billy DiCrosta Vocal Studios. As the vocal studios grew, it became clear to DiCrosta and his husband that the New Haven community was in need of a comprehensive Performing Arts Academy. In 2012, they co-founded the award-winning New Haven Academy of Performing Arts, which provides instruction in acting, singing, dance, and individual musical instruments. The Academy employs a staff of seven teachers, including two who are bi-lingual.
Veteran actor, singer, teacher Billy DiCrosta brings both business savvy and artistic flair to Veteran actor, singer, teacher Billy DiCrosta brings both business savvy and artistic flair to the Broadway on Main Board of Directors. After studying Vocal Performance/Theater at Western Connecticut State University and then Musical Theater at the Hartt School of Music – University of Hartford, DiCrosta toured the world as a headliner for Celebrity Cruises before returning to East Haven to establish himself as a teacher. He earned accreditation from the International Voice Teachers of Mix (IVTOM)organization and became a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Like his husband Neil Fuentes, DiCrosta worked in the hospitality industry, where he acquired entrepreneurial skills that enabled him to establish the very successful Billy DiCrosta Vocal Studios. As the vocal studios grew, it became clear to DiCrosta and his husband that the New Haven community was in need of a comprehensive Performing Arts Academy. In 2012, they co-founded the award-winning New Haven Academy of Performing Arts, which provides instruction in acting, singing, dance, and individual musical instruments. The Academy employs a staff of seven teachers, including two who are bi-lingual.
NEIL FUENTES, ArtisticDirector /Co-Founder/Ex-Officio
Neil Fuentes is best known to New Haven area audiences as the Sensational Singing Chef of WTNH-TV fame, and he brings a colorful array of talents and training to the Broadway on Main Board of Directors. After graduating from a prestigious Performing Arts Academy in his native Venezuela, he emigrated and settled in the US, where he worked his way up the hospitality and culinary ladders to become a champion of the Food Network’s Rewrapped Competition. As a chef with a flair and talent for singing and dancing, he forged a career as an international television personality, cooking and performing regularly for Telemundo. In 2012, he and husband Billy DiCrosta founded the multi-award-winning New Haven Academy of Performing Arts, where Neil remains the Co-Director and a vocal and acting coach. Fuentes is also a theater director and vocal coach for Vista Life Innovations, a non-profit organization that serves the greater Connecticut Special Needs Community.
Neil Fuentes is best known to New Haven area audiences as the Sensational Singing Chef of WTNH-TV fame, and he brings a colorful array of talents and training to the Broadway on Main Board of Directors. After graduating from a prestigious Performing Arts Academy in his native Venezuela, he emigrated and settled in the US, where he worked his way up the hospitality and culinary ladders to become a champion of the Food Network’s Rewrapped Competition. As a chef with a flair and talent for singing and dancing, he forged a career as an international television personality, cooking and performing regularly for Telemundo. In 2012, he and husband Billy DiCrosta founded the multi-award-winning New Haven Academy of Performing Arts, where Neil remains the Co-Director and a vocal and acting coach. Fuentes is also a theater director and vocal coach for Vista Life Innovations, a non-profit organization that serves the greater Connecticut Special Needs Community.
Board of Directors
CHARLES STRICKLAND, Treasurer
Charles Strickland is a director in the Valuation and Litigation Support Services group. Mr. Strickland has been deemed an expert in forensic accounting and the location of unreported income and assets. He has performed valuations of business interests for a variety of purposes including, but not limited to, family law matters, business damages, buy-sell agreements, shareholder litigation, estate and gift tax matters, buying and selling businesses, and breach of contract. He also has experience in matters involving economic damages, including the determination of damages related to contracts, torts, post-acquisitions disputes, and shareholder disputes. Mr. Strickland has been qualified as an expert witness in the State Courts of Connecticut. He has also testified in New York State Supreme Court.
Charles Strickland is a director in the Valuation and Litigation Support Services group. Mr. Strickland has been deemed an expert in forensic accounting and the location of unreported income and assets. He has performed valuations of business interests for a variety of purposes including, but not limited to, family law matters, business damages, buy-sell agreements, shareholder litigation, estate and gift tax matters, buying and selling businesses, and breach of contract. He also has experience in matters involving economic damages, including the determination of damages related to contracts, torts, post-acquisitions disputes, and shareholder disputes. Mr. Strickland has been qualified as an expert witness in the State Courts of Connecticut. He has also testified in New York State Supreme Court.
MONIQUE PALMER, Secretary
Monique Palmer, LCSW, is a devoted wife and proud mother of two beautiful daughters. When she’s not joyfully supporting her daughters’ rehearsals and performances, Monique serves as a School Social Worker at Amistad Academy Middle School within the Achievement First Charter School System in New Haven, CT.
With a natural passion for building relationships and supporting others, Monique finds fulfillment in working with children and families. She is especially excited to connect with those who share her love for the arts. Monique believes that music and movement are powerful tools for the heart and soul—creating opportunities for individuals of all ages to build lasting connections, develop empathy, and foster emotional well-being through artistic expression.
Monique Palmer, LCSW, is a devoted wife and proud mother of two beautiful daughters. When she’s not joyfully supporting her daughters’ rehearsals and performances, Monique serves as a School Social Worker at Amistad Academy Middle School within the Achievement First Charter School System in New Haven, CT.
With a natural passion for building relationships and supporting others, Monique finds fulfillment in working with children and families. She is especially excited to connect with those who share her love for the arts. Monique believes that music and movement are powerful tools for the heart and soul—creating opportunities for individuals of all ages to build lasting connections, develop empathy, and foster emotional well-being through artistic expression.