Founded in 1981 by Jeri Cutler-Voltz, SPARC's mission is to inspire young people to reach their full potential through quality training in the performing arts. SPARC works to inspire creativity in its sutdents, to help them develop strong presentational skills, to promote cultural diversity, and to foster a life-long appreciation for the performing arts. Many of SPARC's graduates have gone on to performance careers, both locally and nationally, but most use the valuable skills they learn (especially poise and self-confidence) in their business and professional careers. This year, SPARC served more than 2,200 students metro-Richmond area. All classes are taught by area professional performers and teaching artists. SPARC provides instruction to the most diverse student population of any performing arts education program (41%) in the metro region.

Following the passing of Jeri Cutler-Voltz in 1998, then-Associate Director Jennie Brown stepped forward to become Executive Director and lead SPARC through a major transition. The Board of Directors hired her husband, Larry Brown, as Managing Director following his 20-year teaching career. For 11 years, Jennie and Larry Brown led SPARC through rapid expansion and achieved outstanding growth in the quality and professionalism of SPARC's educational offerings and administrative operations.

For each of its existence, SPARC's revenues have exceeded expenses. A 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation, SPARC's annual budget is approximately $1,147,380. Approximately 65% of this budget is funded by student tuition and restricted program grants. Major supporters include: The Virginia Commission for the Arts, Altria, The Carpenter Foundation, The Community Foundation, Jackson Foundation, Coleman Hunter Foundation, Dominion Foundation, Robins Foundation, Gwathmey Foundation, ArtsFund and others.