School Of The Performing Arts In The Richmond Community Sparc

Programs: Satellite teaching venues - performing arts training classes and camps - sparc offers a graduated curriculum of classes for students aged pre-k through 12th grade. Classes include beginning through pre-professional training in the fall, spring, and summer semesters, focusing in acting, singing, and dance. Advanced students have the opportunity to perform in fully mounted mainstage productions. Classes are held at sparc and in a network of satellite locations throughout the richmond area.

live art - performing arts education classes and major public performance experiences, inclusive of students with and without disabilities. Partnerships with 11 other community organizations - including nonprofits, public schools, private schools, and government agencies -- provide wide community support, space for class meetings, and a network for identifying students for participation. Participating students include those with developmental disabilities, hearing and vision impairment, and typically developing students, learning in inclusive and peer-supportive environments.

stages - sparc's primary outreach training provided to schools and neighborhood centers throughout the region, during the instructional day and after-school. Thanks to contributions, stages programs are offered free to participants in underserved neighborhoods.

there are three other major programs - summerstarz touring ensemble is for students selected by audition to take part in a summertime six week program, rehearsing and presenting free performances of a musical venue or musical play in assorted metro venues, including the cultural arts center; the children's museum; ha'penny stage at dogwood dell; westminster canterbury; and others. Summer camps offer popular half and full day theatre camps for ages 4 - 18. Summer stock - sparc produces two productions featuring teenaged students, performed in repertory following five weeks of intensive learning. Students participate in all aspects of the production in addition to the acting experience, including set design and construction, lighting and sound design, and costuming.