Antonius Bittmann, Co-owner & Co-CEO and Valentina Jotovic, Co-owner & Co-CEOFor 45 years, Hunterdon Academy of the Arts (HAA) has stood as a pillar of arts education in the region, evolving from a modest early childhood music program into a thriving institution serving hundreds of students. What began in 1981 in the founder’s living room has flourished into a 10,000-square-foot performing arts facility, a powerful reflection of both remarkable growth and an unwavering commitment to comprehensive arts education.
The academy’s move into its new home in 2024 marked its sixth relocation, with each transition symbolizing not merely expansion but a deliberate step toward creating a more dynamic and enriching learning environment.
What core principles have remained consistent throughout the academy’s decades of development?
While much has changed over four and a half decades, one principle has remained constant: a dedication to high-quality arts education that cultivates not only talent but also character. Confidence, creativity, resilience, and discipline are woven into every program. As Co-CEO and Co-owner Antonius Bittmann explains, “At Hunterdon Academy of the Arts, we believe performance is about shaping the person behind the performance. We want our students to carry the skills they learn in the arts into every facet of their lives.”
A Distinctive, Integrated Approach to Performing Arts
How does the academy integrate acting and musical theater within its curriculum?
Today, Hunterdon Academy of the Arts serves more than 700 students, the majority of whom are enrolled in private music lessons. HAA’s music program has received numerous awards for the quality of its educational services. In recent years, however, its theatre arts program has taken the spotlight, with multiple annual stage productions and an innovative curriculum designed for children and teenagers. What distinguishes HAA’s theatre arts program is its holistic philosophy, particularly its intentional integration of acting and musical theater. While many institutions treat these disciplines separately, HAA aligns them closely to reflect the realities of live theater performance.
“Musical theater is acting, storytelling through song, and movement all in one,” says Co-CEO and Co-owner Valentina Jotovic. “We do not teach acting and musical theater as parallel disciplines. We teach students how to combine them, just as they would in a professional production.”
This unified approach allows skills to reinforce one another. Acting training strengthens vocal projection, clarity, and breath control, which are essential for strong singing. Meanwhile, the vocal skills, rhythmic precision, stamina, and physical coordination required in musical theater deepen stage presence and expressive confidence. Students learn not simply to perform individual components well, but to weave them seamlessly together.
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At Hunterdon Academy of the Arts, we believe performance is about shaping the person behind the performance. We want our students to carry the skills they learn in the arts into every facet of their lives.
The result is a generation of versatile performers who are poised, expressive, and prepared for the demands of real-world productions.
Flexibility Without Compromising Quality
How did the academy adapt instruction methods during and after the COVID-19 pandemic?
When the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped education worldwide, HAA introduced a flexible delivery model for private music lessons. By allowing students to switch seamlessly between in-person and online instruction, this model has remained highly effective. “Online learning works beautifully for some students,” Bittmann notes. “But many thrive on the energy and immediacy of face-to-face instruction. We are committed to offering both, so families have choices without sacrificing quality.”
Whether teaching in person or online, HAA’s instructors tailor their methods to individual learning styles. They recognize that some students respond best to verbal explanation, others to physical movement, rhythmic structure, or visual demonstration.
Staying Current in an Evolving Industry
The performing arts industry is constantly evolving, and HAA remains intentionally connected to its pulse. Through ongoing research, collaboration with peer institutions, and engagement with leading business coaches across the music, dance, and martial arts industries, the academy’s leadership ensures that programming remains relevant and forward-thinking.
“Our work within broader professional networks keeps us informed and inspired,” Bittmann explains. “It allows us to continuously refine our curriculum and align it with industry standards.”
This attentiveness is reflected in the academy’s theater productions. By staging beloved and contemporary works such as Disney’s Frozen and The Little Mermaid, HAA offers students the opportunity to participate in productions that resonate with modern audiences while meeting professional performance expectations.
Cultivating a True Artistic Community
At the heart of HAA lies a vibrant, interconnected community. Rather than strictly separating students by age, the academy encourages cross-age collaboration in acting and musical theater programs. Younger students learn alongside older peers, benefiting from mentorship and shared experience.
“Theater is inherently communal,” Bittmann reflects. “We intentionally structure our programs to foster meaningful relationships among students, families, and faculty alike.”
Parent volunteer days further strengthen these bonds, inviting families to contribute their talents to stage productions. The result is more than an arts school; it is a creative family united by shared purpose.
A Pathway to Lifelong Success
HAA views artistic growth as a journey rather than a short-term endeavor. Its theatre arts programs are designed as multi-year pathways with clear milestones, enabling students to track progress and mature both artistically and personally.
For students pursuing professional careers, mentorship extends well beyond graduation. Faculty members, who are trained professionals themselves, are available to guide alumni as they navigate auditions, professional engagements, and industry opportunities.
One example is 11-year-old Oliver Wong, who is currently starring in the global tour of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Oliver began at HAA as a seven-month-old in the early childhood music program. Over the years, he progressed through music lessons, theater arts classes, and academy stage productions before appearing in his first professional show, A Christmas Story: The Musical, at Philadelphia’s Walnut Street Theatre. His journey reflects the academy’s long-term commitment to nurturing artistry, excellence, and opportunity.
Looking Ahead
As Hunterdon Academy of the Arts celebrates its 45th anniversary, it looks confidently toward the future. With a steadfast commitment to innovation, artistic excellence, and community connection, HAA continues to shape not only performers but also empowered individuals prepared to thrive on stage and beyond.
