About April

APRIL ARMSTRONG is a versatile performer who's talents range from dramatic actress to evocative singer to whimsical storyteller. Ms. Armstrong has performed on professional stages throughout the USA.

As an actress, Ms. Armstrong is most noted for her performance as the legendary singer Billie Holiday, in the tour-de-force one-woman show, LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL, written by Lanie Robertson (Vineyard Playhouse & Providence Black Repertory Co.). She has also performed the role of "Sara" in the Broadway Musical RAGTIME (TheatreWorks, Palo Alto and the Broadway National Tour), and has delighted audiences with her vibrant rendition of "Carrie Pipperidge" in CAROUSEL (Casa Manana, Broadway National Tour).

Ms. Armstrong has also appeared in regional productions of SPUNK (Delia /Missey Mae) Twin Rivers Theatre Co., THREEPENNY OPERA (Lucy) American Repertory Theatre, MY FAIR LADY (Eliza Doolittle) American Music Theatre of San Jose; TIN PAN ALLEY RAG (Tremonisha) Coconut Grove Playhouse with Andre de Shields, CANDIDE (Cunegonde) The Guthrie, VALLEY SONG (Veronica) Vineyard Playhouse, Charlotte Repertory Theatre.

In New York, Ms. Armstrong has appeared Off-Broadway in THE RIVALS (Lydia Languish) Titans Theatre Company, EXTROADINARY MEASURES (written and directed by Eve Ensler) at H.E.R.E.,TIS PITY SHE'S A WHORE and SKRIKER, both at NYSF.

On film, her voice can be heard in the movie WASHINGTON SQUARE, directed by Aneskia Holland, starring Jennifer Jason Leigh and Albert Finney.

Ms. Armstrong is also a captivating Storyteller who's timing and vocal expressions have charmed adults and children alike. Ms. Armstrong has written a one-woman show about the black aviatrix, Bessie Coleman, called BRAVE BESSIE.

As a Teaching Artist, Ms. Armstrong teaches classes and workshops in music, drama, storytelling and social studies to students from Pre-K to High. She has taught on the faculties of the Lincoln Center Institute, Carnegie Hall "Link Up", Music for Many, Harlem School for the Arts, Arts Horizon and Arts Genesis. April Armstrong has also taught music classes and voice lessons at The Masters School, Bloomingdale School of Music, and Third Street Music Settlement. Ms. Armstrong holds a Bachelors of Music from Manhattan School of Music and a Masters of Arts in Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.