ABOUT THE FOUNDER & CEO

Taniel Bennett

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Taniel Bennett is a native of Trenton, New Jersey and currently taking up resident in Ewing, New Jersey. She has over 15 passionate years in the arts. She led performing arts youth programs for her local church and provided services to the Salvation Army, Youth Turn, and other organizations in the community. Performances under her leadership included one woman shows, original plays, puppeteering, and pantomime. Anyone that knows her would say, “she loves the arts!” 

 

Her years of experience in the arts and in marketing landed her a job as Marketing Manager for Open Arts Performing Arts Center in Bordentown, New Jersey. Shortly after, she was appointed Executive Director and played an interictal part in helping the organization become nonprofit. Under her leadership, several Broadway Jr. shows, and theater workshops were produced. To name a few; Annie Jr., Peter Pan, and The Wizard of Oz.

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Taniel has a mission to reach the youth in and around her hometown. She recently launched Central Jersey Performing Arts Academy that will operate out of Ewing, New Jersey. Her vision is to bring Broadway to the community and to make acting and vocal lessons more affordable to parents with a lower income. She is confident that her efforts will continue to impact this generation of youth through productions and various workshops to enhance team building, build self-esteem, and public speaking.

 

CJPA Academy first of many production workshops will begin on March 2, 2022, at the Jewish Community Center located in Ewing, New Jersey. It will started with a total of 15 students with 3 of them receiving a full scholarship to attend the program. Students will receive acting and vocal lessons and take part in team building exercises to prepare to perform Aladdin Jr. in the Spring.

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When asked, why she has such of love for the arts, these were her words “I remember being in a school play when I was in the 5th grade. I did so well, the principal (Mr. Hodges) of Cadwaladr School came to my class to tell me he loved my performance, and I had the potential to become a star one day. I knew I was talented at a very young age but raised by my grandmother who was very strong but barely making ends meet, there was no way she could afford to send me to an acting class. How many other talented young people in our communities that need an affordable pathway or scholarship to enhance their acting & vocal skills?