A standard education covers a range of critical skills, from reading to math. But planting seeds for true holistic growth also requires teaching children how to believe in themselves. One Richmond nonprofit, the School of the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community, works to do just that, inspiring confidence and creativity in young people through performing arts education.
Compassion as Curriculum
SPARC is a Richmond performing arts nonprofit that offers theater and arts education programs to young people ages 4 to 18. Celebrating its 45th anniversary this year, SPARC was founded in 1981 by Richmond-based actor Jeri Cutler-Voltz. What began as a hub for acting, singing and dance training has since grown into a multidisciplinary organization that emphasizes the holistic benefits of the performing arts.
“In the next generation, we are hoping to build a group of young people who can lead from a place of compassion and empathy for others,” said Liz Earnest, director of programs at SPARC.
Earnest grew up in the Richmond area and was a SPARC student throughout middle and high school. She went on to obtain a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theater performance from Virginia Commonwealth University, and credits much of her success to the professional training and encouragement she received through SPARC.
“It’s been very, very cool to spend over a decade in this place that I credit with giving me so much, including this opportunity to give back to the young people in our area,” Earnest said.
Programs and Offerings
SPARC serves 1,500 young people each year across 10 programs, providing students with unique opportunities to get involved in the performance process and learn something new. Beyond training classes and seasonal productions, SPARC offers a range of specialized theater experiences to Richmond youth. Programs include:
- Technical Theatre: Students learn the behind-the-scenes craft and practices of technical theater and design.
- Live Art: This program allows students both with and without disabilities to come together and participate in artistically rigorous lessons. Their experience culminates in a final performance.
- Spectrum: LGBTQ+ students and their allies work together to create an original play or musical through a series of rehearsals and workshops.
- New Voices: A statewide playwriting competition for high school students where participants develop their plays alongside their peers and local theater professionals. The winning plays earn live staged readings.
- Stages: SPARC brings performing arts training to third-grade students in Richmond City Public Schools. Students collaborate to create a performance script and select music, songs and dances to perform.
Across all its programs, SPARC aims to embed its core values of excellence, belonging, creativity and collaboration. As students are challenged to think creatively, step outside of their comfort zone and explore stories beyond their personal experiences, they learn to lead with empathy as they reflect on both themselves and the world around them.
The organization is always accepting new students for upcoming classes, camps and programs.
To learn more about SPARC’s programs, visit its website or follow it on Instagram or Facebook.
