About 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.