Our Mission:
To profoundly influence young people’s lives through exceptional performing arts education.
SPARC programs provide transformative performing arts education to nearly 1,500 students each year. Through Creative Youth Development initiatives, SPARC’s highly skilled teaching artists intentionally integrate the arts with youth development principles. Students discover their creativity and build critical learning and life skills that carry into adulthood.
SPARC’S VALUES
Excellence
SPARC is dedicated to fostering growth and developing the talents of every individual. We strive for excellence in all aspects of our work, celebrating achievements big and small. Our community takes pride in supporting every journey, building confidence and resilience along the way.
Belonging
SPARC values belonging as a cornerstone of our community. We prioritize the well-being of everyone we serve and work with by creating an inclusive and equitable environment that celebrates diversity and ensures everyone feels safe, accepted, and respected.
Creativity
At SPARC, creativity is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in fostering joy through self-expression and embracing authenticity. We encourage risk-taking as a pathway to innovation and artistic growth. Our community thrives on the diversity of creative voices, united by a passion for artistic exploration and discovery.
Collaboration
Collaboration is key to our success. Through collaborative efforts, we achieve greater impact and innovation, working towards our shared goals of creativity and excellence. Our community thrives on mutual support and collective achievement, driving positive change in the world.
Empathy
Empathy is foundational to our work. We believe in practicing compassion and kindness towards others, understanding and supporting their unique paths. Through empathy, we cultivate a culture of care and understanding, fostering a nurturing environment for all.
Our Faculty:
Simply put, SPARC’s faculty make magic happen in the lives of our students.
SPARC’s faculty — teaching artists, directors, designers, special educators, and technicians — represents some of the most acclaimed and sought-after professionals in the region. Specializing in a wide range of artistic disciplines, SPARC’s faculty lead programs from early childhood through pre-professional performance, and everything in between.
Highly qualified and experienced in the arts, many of SPARC’s faculty are seen frequently on stages around the region, including at virtually every professional theater in the area.
But just as importantly, every faculty member is chosen because they align with SPARC’s student-centered values, including personal discovery, optimism, real-world preparation, empathy, and resourcefulness. Our faculty are engaged in long-term relationships with our students, helping them to achieve success on stage and in the broader life beyond.
Are you ready to discover your inner shine with SPARC?
We are always accepting new students for upcoming classes, camps, and programs!
If you have any questions about SPARC or any of our offerings, please reach out to us by filling out our contact form on this page or by giving us a call at our office at (804) 353-3393.
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SPARC is supported, in part, by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
