Meet our Team
Taniel Bennett
Founder & Executive Director
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Taniel Bennett is a passionate arts advocate and native of Trenton, New Jersey, currently residing in Ewing. With over 15 years of experience in the arts, she has dedicated her life to using creativity as a means of community engagement and youth empowerment.
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Taniel has led arts ministries and programs for various organizations, including her local church, The Salvation Army, and Youth Turn. Her leadership has brought to life original musicals, one-woman shows, puppetry performances, and pantomime presentations. She currently serves as a board member of the Ewing Arts Commission.
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Taniel’s combined expertise in the arts and marketing led her to serve as Marketing Director for Open Arts Performing Arts Center in Bordentown, NJ. Her leadership and vision quickly earned her a promotion to Executive Director, where she was instrumental in guiding the organization to 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. During her tenure, Open Arts PAC produced several Broadway Jr. shows and hosted a variety of acting and vocal workshops for youth.
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In 2022, Taniel founded Central Jersey Performing Arts Academy (CJPA), based in Ewing, NJ. The academy was born from her commitment to making arts education accessible and affordable for all youth. CJPA’s programs not only teach acting and vocal performance but also emphasize personal development through team building, self-esteem, and public speaking workshops.
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When asked about the source of her passion, Taniel shared:
“I remember being in a school play in the 5th grade. I did so well that the principal, Mr. Hodges, came to my class to tell me how much he loved my performance and that I could be a star one day. Raised by my grandmother alongside my two brothers, I couldn’t afford lessons, and I didn’t know of any arts schools in our community. I often wonder how many other talented young people are out there who, like me, just need someone like Mr. Hodges and a pathway to success.”
Taniel continues to be a champion for the next generation of artists, ensuring they have the opportunities and support to thrive.
Emmanuel Bonilla-Acosta
Artistic & Music Director
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Emmanuel B. Acosta is a lyric tenor, voice teacher, and vocal coach based in Princeton, NJ. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from Westminster Choir College, where he developed a strong foundation in classical technique and performance. Known for his warm tone and expressive artistry, Emmanuel began his mainstage career with The Princeton Festival, performing in a wide range of repertoire including works by Wagner, Gershwin, Mozart, Britten, Puccini, and John Adams.
Emmanuel has also been featured with Boheme Opera New Jersey, where he made his mainstage debut as Normanno in Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor. His continued collaboration with the company has included roles in operas by Bizet, Rossini, Mascagni, and Leoncavallo. In Boheme Opera NJ’s production of Verdi’s Aïda, he appeared as the Messenger, receiving acclaim for his “appealing lyric tenor voice.” Most recently, he portrayed Matteo Borsa in Verdi’s Rigoletto, performing in Boheme Opera NJ’s triumphant return to the Patriots Theater at the War Memorial—a production that marked a celebrated milestone for the company.
In addition to his performance career, Emmanuel is deeply committed to arts education and serves as the Artistic and Music Director for Central Jersey Performing Arts Academy. With a passion for storytelling, mentorship, and youth development, he has directed and produced a number of successful musical theater productions, including Aladdin Jr., Annie Jr., The Lion King Jr., Into the Woods Jr., and the original holiday musical A Christmas Portrait. Through his artistic vision and leadership, Emmanuel creates a vibrant and inclusive environment where young performers are empowered to grow in confidence, creativity, and discipline. His work continues to leave a lasting impact on both the stage and the students he guides.
