NICK RAPUANO
CERTIFIED NHAOPA
ADVANCED ACTING/GUITAR/BAND COACH
ADVANCED ACTING/GUITAR/BAND COACH
Nick Rapuano is a dynamic and multi-talented teaching artist who brings a wealth of professional experience in acting, filmmaking, and music to the New Haven Academy of Performing Arts. A graduate of the prestigious Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York City, Nick has dedicated his career to helping aspiring performers discover their unique voice—on stage, on screen, and through music.
With a deep foundation in the Adler technique, Nick integrates time-honored practices such as scene study, character development, voice and speech, improv, memorization strategies, and physical storytelling into his acting instruction. His training equips students not only for theatrical performance but also for the nuanced demands of acting on camera.
Beyond the classroom, Nick has made his mark as both a director and producer. He is the founder of Diamond Theatre Company, where he has produced and directed critically acclaimed productions, including Dinner With Friends by Connecticut’s own Donald Margulies and a sold-out run of Glengarry Glen Ross at The Bushnell in 2024. In the world of film, Nick launched Old Neighborhood Films in 2017 and has since written and directed several award-winning features and short films, with his work screened across festivals and even in Congress to support social change. His direction has guided actors to performances that have earned acting awards from festivals such as Anaheim and NYLIFF.
In addition to his work in theatre and film, Nick is an accomplished musician with over two decades of experience as a guitarist, drummer, and music producer. His versatile background includes arranging, mixing, and directing music videos across a range of genres, from rock to rap and beyond.
Nick’s greatest passion is mentoring young artists and helping them realize the depth of their potential. Whether you’re looking to build confidence, explore your creativity, or pursue a professional path in the performing arts, Nick offers the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to guide you every step of the way.
With a deep foundation in the Adler technique, Nick integrates time-honored practices such as scene study, character development, voice and speech, improv, memorization strategies, and physical storytelling into his acting instruction. His training equips students not only for theatrical performance but also for the nuanced demands of acting on camera.
Beyond the classroom, Nick has made his mark as both a director and producer. He is the founder of Diamond Theatre Company, where he has produced and directed critically acclaimed productions, including Dinner With Friends by Connecticut’s own Donald Margulies and a sold-out run of Glengarry Glen Ross at The Bushnell in 2024. In the world of film, Nick launched Old Neighborhood Films in 2017 and has since written and directed several award-winning features and short films, with his work screened across festivals and even in Congress to support social change. His direction has guided actors to performances that have earned acting awards from festivals such as Anaheim and NYLIFF.
In addition to his work in theatre and film, Nick is an accomplished musician with over two decades of experience as a guitarist, drummer, and music producer. His versatile background includes arranging, mixing, and directing music videos across a range of genres, from rock to rap and beyond.
Nick’s greatest passion is mentoring young artists and helping them realize the depth of their potential. Whether you’re looking to build confidence, explore your creativity, or pursue a professional path in the performing arts, Nick offers the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to guide you every step of the way.
