RPI taps new leader for EMPAC

WAMC Northeast Public Radio | By Samantha Simmons

Published December 7, 2024 at 12:00 PM EST

Top photo: black and white picture of the nude legs of dancers in a tight group; Bottom photo: tools on the stage floor

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy has named a new executive director for its performing arts center. Dena Beard has been tapped to lead EMPAC, the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center. Beard most recently led Brooklyn College’s Leonard and Claire Tow Center for the Performing Arts. WAMC’s Samantha Simmons spoke with Beard about the direction of EMPAC and how she plans to further engage the community.

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Samantha Simmons

Samantha joined the WAMC staff in 2023 after graduating from the University at Albany. She covers the City of Troy and Rensselaer County at large. Outside of reporting, she host's WAMC's Weekend Edition and Midday Magazine.

She can be reached by phone at (518)-465-5233 Ext. 211 or by email at ssimmons@wamc.org.

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