Name:
Audrey Kaplan
How your clients refer to you:
Audrey (Owner and Founder of Applause)
Company:
Applause
Contact Info:
Website: www.applauseny.com, Email: Audrey@applauseny.com, Ph. (917) 626-2589
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
23 years.
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
I grew up in NYC and felt that the performing arts were not a priority in schools. I wanted to create a place where kids could explore and pursue their dreams in a safe, rigorous environment with outstanding instructors who were also working professionally in the industry.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
We always try to stay current, both in response to what’s happening in the arts and in response to what’s happening in our students’ lives, at every stage. We are the only program in NYC that extends from infants through high school seniors and, believe it or not, last year we launched adult musical theater classes that have sold out, filled with some of the top CEO’s of companies in NYC. I highly recommend coming to their performances!
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
Our high standards for our staff and our commitment to keep improving our curriculum. We have had students that have started with us as babies and have stayed with us through high school because we have designed our curriculum so that there is always something more to teach and more to learn. When we started 20 years ago, we were introducing classic Broadway shows to the kids that their parents grew up watching, and as trends in music, television, and on Broadway changed, so did our curriculum. We find families enroll not just one of their children at Applause, but rather all of their children, as there is something for everyone and they trust that the training will be consistent and first-class. Ultimately, the most common compliments I receive are about my staff, whom I believe are the best in the city. They are so passionate about what they do, about their students, and about the company.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
Many of our students meet their best friends here. They walk out feeling great about themselves, they are willing to take risks here, and their self-esteem is very high. Regardless of whether they choose to take a path in the arts or not, they feel that they can accomplish anything because of the skills that they learned here.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of the job for sure is seeing a child accomplish something that they’ve worked hard for.
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
My new gem that has come to NYC is an app called Soothe (they just got here!). You can order a massage and within one hour a masseuse will be at your home or office.
How do you benefit mamas?
I think through Applause there is a community of moms who have met, whether in our Mommy & Me classes, and stayed throughout the years, or through our after-school and weekend classes. We have many moms who are so thankful to share their love of Broadway here in our classes.
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
Several years ago I celebrated Applause’ 20th year with a gala. I could not believe how many past students attended and shared the same feedback, that they met their best friends here and that Applause changed their lives.
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field:
Shuffles, Broadway Dance Center, Broadway Artist Alliance.
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
My mantra is to “look forward, don’t look sideways.” I think companies are too competitive with one another and I think as long as you stick with your mission and do your best work, then that’s all you can do. Choosing to raise kids in NYC offers so many opportunities and people should take advantage of them.
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
I try to find 5-10 minutes a day to just be quiet so that I can come back energized and ready to accomplish things more efficiently.