Our Story
The Hudson Valley Conservatory was founded more than 30 years ago by Broadway and film actor Samuel E. Wright, his wife Amanda Wright, a former professional dancer, and Pamela Murphy, a dedicated music educator. Together, they envisioned a school where young people could experience the transformative power of the performing arts, regardless of background or circumstance.
Today, HVC carries forward that mission under the artistic direction of Dee Wright-Kelly, a former professional dancer and musical theater performer, and Zachary Kiernan, whose expertise in costume and set design brings a distinctive creative vision to the Conservatory’s productions. Their leadership continues the legacy of artistry, discipline, and joy that has defined HVC since its founding.
Over the years, our programs have trained countless students — some of whom have gone on to prestigious college programs and professional careers in the arts, while others carry the discipline, creativity, and confidence they’ve built here into every aspect of their lives.
At HVC, the legacy of storytelling, artistry, and inclusion lives on. We are proud to be more than a school — we are a family, a home, and a place where every student can discover their voice, their artistry, and their confidence both on and off the stage.