Community-Based Programs
SPARC’s customized Community Programs are delivered to youth and families in the places where they already meet, like community centers and schools.
From 6-week after-school drama clubs to semester-long technical theatre programs and everything in between, SPARC works with individual groups to deliver a model of learning that suits the needs and goals of their community.
Stages
SPARC’s Stages program, a vital partnership with Richmond Public Schools, debuted in 2006.
Stages classes are taught to 3rd grade students during in-school instructional hours for 24 weeks. Fun-filled lessons use the performing arts as a tool to focus development of oral language skills, confidence, communication, and more.
STAGES serves nearly 150 students each year, predominantly in low-income schools.
SPARC on Tour!
Two SPARC programs bring youth performers out into the community to spread the joy of live theatre: Touring Ensemble and SummerStarz.
From September to May, teens in SPARC’s Touring Ensemble take their musical revues to festivals, parades, sporting events, special events, and more.
For one week each summer, youth from the SummerStarz program take an hour-long musical on tour. They visit places like community centers, hospitals, and libraries.
OUR IMPACT SPEAKS VOLUMES
YEARS OF EDUCATION IN THE RICHMOND COMMUNITY
YEARS Partnering with Richmond, Chesterfield, & Henrico Public Schools
UNIQUE STUDENTS SERVED LAST YEAR
AUDIENCE MEMBERS AT SPARC PERFORMANCES LAST YEAR
TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS LAST YEAR
PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS RECEIVING SOME FORM OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
TEACHING ARTISTS & TECHNICAL PROFESSIONALS EMPLOYED LAST YEAR
LIVES CHANGED BY SPARC SINCE 1981
“My son has grown so much into himself. The staff is just so talented, patient, and kind. It’s [his] second-favorite place — after Disney. He feels so welcomed at SPARC. At the end, it feels like he’s leaving a family.”
“SPARC is FANTASTIC. My children are absolutely thriving and it has trickled into all aspects of their life and we are forever grateful. I can’t say enough positive things.”
Supporting Local Schools & Community Centers
Through our mobile classes, camps, and performances, SPARC brings performing arts learning and engagement to more than 20 locations each year.
Supporting Local Organizations
SPARC attends nearly a dozen community events and resource fairs each year. If you’d like to invite our team to host a table at your event, contact us.
Supporting Local Performing Arts Initiatives
SPARC is proud to partner with other local arts organizations through sharing resources and rehearsal space.
If you’d like to partner with SPARC, please reach out!
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.
