Overview of SPARC Programs

Performing Arts Classes | Summer Camps & Workshops | STAGES | New Voices for the Theatre

Performing Arts Classes (Fall and Spring)
 SPARC holds performing arts training classes after school and on weekends. Many classes are held at the SPARC Center on N. Hamilton Street, as well as at satellite locations around the Richmond area. We generally follow the schedules of area school semesters.

SPARC classes follow a conservatory format of acting, stage movement, theater dance, singing, and voice for the stage, and are designed to expand the actor's range.

Classes are for youth aged 5 to 18 and include the following:
  • MINI-SPARC (ages 5-6) and RISING STARS (ages 7-8) are introductory classes, teaching readiness skills through stage movement, theater games, and children's songs.
  • The CORE (ages 9-15) and ADVANCED CORE (ages 15-18) programs includes singing, acting, and dance in each 2.25 hour class session. Improvisation and scripted material are used in teaching foundation skills. Audition techniques are taught.
  • STUDIO and STUDIO, Jr. classes (ages 10-18) are for teens and pre-teens with a serious interest in acting performance.
  • REHEARSAL & PRODUCTION classes (ages 8-18) are audition-based classes that build toward a fully staged performance of a theatrical work at the end of the term.
SPARC also offers a variety of ancillary courses, including theatre tech, fairytale-themed youth classes, and specialty workshops in aspects of the performing arts. SPARC offers an extensive financial aid program, awarding over $25,000 in tuition waiver and reduction each year.

Learn more about SPARC's classes...

Summer Camps & Workshops
SPARC offers full- and part-day camps and workshops throughout the summer for ages 4 to 18. Learn more about SPARC's summer camps and workshops...

SPARC also produces two productions during the summer: a main stage musical and the SummerStarz touring ensemble. Learn more about SPARC's summer productions...

STAGES
SPARC’s in-school outreach and after-school enrichment classes serve almost 1,000 students each year in over 20 schools and community centers. Classes allow area children throughout Richmond the opportunity to try their hand at performing arts. These readiness classes allow young people to develop socialization skills while learning basic performer skills. Thanks to generous foundation, corporate, government and individual support, STAGES programs are offered at no charge to participants in underserved neighborhoods. Learn more about STAGES...

New Voices for the Theatre
The acclaimed New Voices for the Theatre program expands SPARC’s reach statewide. This program accepts submissions of one-act plays from high school students throughout Virginia, providing them professional adjudication and inviting the top eight student playwrights to Richmond for a two-week residency. During the residency, the students work with a professional playwright to hone their skills and then work with a professional team of directors and actors to have their plays read in front of a live audience. Learn more about New Voices for the Theatre...