Thousands of young Richmonders have benefited from SPARC training since its founding in 1981. SPARC began by training older teens to become "triple threats" - performers equally versed in acting, singing, and dance. As demand grew, SPARC added classes and faculty.

In 1982, SPARC began renting space in area churches to accommodate growth. One-hour "Mini-SPARC" classes were added to fill requests for the training of children ages 5-8. SPARC incorporated in 1984 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. We began offering on-site, After School Enrichment classes in area schools. Our summer training program led to SPARC's annual production of a major musical at the city's Dogwood Dell amphitheater.

SPARC began special classes for the hearing impaired and started advanced acting studios. Outreach programs at youth centers in various neighborhoods became part of the SPARC legacy. In 1993, SPARC's musical productions were moved indoors to a professional stage, and in 1994, the Young Apprentice Program for older teens was offered in collaboration with local professional theaters.

In April 1998, long-time SPARC instructor and Associate Director, Jennifer Daffron Brown, was named Executive Director. Under her leadership, SPARC has become the largest community-based theater arts education program in Virginia. For her leadership Jennie was named the YWCA's 2003 Woman of the Year in the Arts.

SPARC enrollment and programs continue to grow rapidly, along with efforts to keep tuition increases below the rise in cost-of-living and to provide needed financial aid to interested, cooperative students. Efforts have been successful to broaden the school's accessibility and appeal. (By 2004, minority representation increased to over 40% of all SPARC students.)

More recent growth includes SummerStarz, a six-week summer program featuring an original musical revue which tours the metro community; two summer camp programs for elementary and middle school students, and New Voices for the Theater, a statewide playwriting program.

SPARC classes are currently held in locations throughout Richmond. SPARC runs classes in spaces rented from churches/synagogues and community centers. In addition, more than fifty After School Enrichment programs have been held in schools and community centers throughout the metro area this year. Programs and cooperative activities continue in many neighborhood centers, including William Byrd Community House, Sacred Heart Center, and the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen.

Other advancements include a graduated curriculum, two successful satellite programs, increased community affiliations and collaborations, a tripling of scholarships for individual students and grant-funded programming, as well as improved administrative and operational systems. SPARC also publishes and distributes 45,000 copies of IT'S SHOWTIME RICHMOND, The SPARC Guide to the Performing Arts in Greater Richmond, an eight-year collaboration with STYLE WEEKLY. Fund raising has been reorganized around endowment and annual giving campaigns, and an expanded volunteer program is growing.