About Us

The Acting Out Playhouse began 14 summers ago when its founder, award-winning director and choreographer, Terry Odell, heard a call to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.  She started a program called CPR, Children Performing for Relief, to raise money for the families victimized by the horrible disaster.  They worked hard, produced and performed several concerts in Orange County, NY that raised over $2500 for students in New Orleans.  During the project, it became clear that the positive affect on the children involved here was immeasurable.  Life skills were built, empathy and teamwork taught, a sense of pride in accomplishment and purpose.  At that moment, Terry saw the importance of dedicating her professional life to the opening of an official theater group for children that would be built on those very principals, and The Acting Out Playhouse was born.
 
The Playhouse is now an important learning and social community for over 150 Orange County children.  We have produced over 30 full-scale productions, performing them on small Black Box stages as well as on some of the largest venues in the area, such as the Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center. Money has been raised for local and national charities and performed for schools, senior centers and local fairs.  
 

The AOP Team

Here's is my wonderful team of colleagues.  They are a really more like a part of my family.  I couldn't do it without their incredible talents! 

Welcome to our Playhouse family!

-Miss Terry

Terry has over 40 years of experience in the Performing Arts as a director, choreographer, dance instructor, performer and vocalist.  This expertise, combined with her Elementary and Special Needs teaching experience has culminated in the creation of the area’s finest children’s performing arts school and theater; one which often welcomes back children who have even already experienced nearby Broadway and Off-broadway successes.

Dom Pascullo has been the music director/pit conductor of the teen class at The Acting Out Playhouse for the past three seasons and also serves as the Director of the 5th grade class.  Dom is currently studying to be a teacher at SUNY New Paltz.  Living in Monroe, NY, Mr. Pascullo currently serves as the Creative Director of the Souza Scholarship for the Performing Arts as well as the Creative Director of the Monroe-Woodbury Summer Enrichment Musical Theatre Workshop.