imagine…

Imagine attending a public high school in the heart of downtown St. Paul, unlike any other in the country. Learn the skills and techniques to become a professional artist from current working artists. Receive a college conservatory level arts education under the guidance of current professional artists. Prepare for college academically in on-level, advanced or AP classes.

A private school experience at a public school price.
No audition. No tuition.

50/50
arts + academics

SPCPA provides authentic arts training taught by current professional artists utilizing the conservatory model while aligned with academic state standards in English, math, science, social studies, world languages, and special education. Half of each day focuses on academics, the other on arts.

at-a-glance

we are a diverse,
focused student body.

SPCPA students come from over 40 different school districts.

90-95% of SPCPA students graduate on time.

we are prepared.

99-100% of SPCPA graduates are accepted into college or conservatory.

50% of graduates pursue arts in some fashion after high school.

ON ACT TESTS

SPCPA students score 2.5 points higher than the MN average.

ON MCA's

SPCPA students score 20% higher than the state average in reading, 15% higher in science, and are typically at or above state average in math.

OUR ALUMNI SAY IT BEST

I had an amazing experience at this arts school! From the moment I walked through the door, I felt inspired by the creativity and talent all around me. The faculty and staff were incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, always pushing me to be my best and never giving up on me. Not only did I develop my artistic skills in ways I never imagined, but I also made lasting friendships with fellow students who share my passion for the arts. The resources and opportunities available at this school are unparalleled, and I feel so grateful to have been a part of such a vibrant and welcoming community. I would highly recommend this arts school to anyone looking to grow their talents and discover their potential as an artist.

Maria Briggs, Broadway actor/dancer/singer, Class of 2009

CONNECTED

An important part of SPCPA’s purpose is to connect the students and the school to the Twin Cities professional arts community in a number of ways.

what's happening

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SPCPA Students & Alumni Take the Stage!

We are thrilled to celebrate members of our SPCPA community who are bringing their talents to the stage in The Wizard of Oz at Children's Theatre Company!

Congratulations to current students Brody Breen, Aliya Bailey, and Truman Bednar, along with SPCPA alum Bella West, who is also understudying the iconic role of Dorothy. What an incredible opportunity!

The show opens April 21 and runs through June 14, and we couldn’t be more proud to see these artists shining in the professional community.

Let’s show our support—be sure to check out the production and cheer them on!

Tickets: www.childrenstheatre.org

#SPCPA #SPCPAArts #spcpaalum #ChildrensTheatreCompany #spcpacommunity
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On Tuesday, SPCPA welcomed back alumnus Erik Nordstrom (@lubridermis_)(Vocal Track), who returned to sing and speak with vocal and musical theatre students in the very room where he once studied! He shared insights from his journey studying Vocal Performance and Music Education at Lawrence University, followed by earning his Master’s degree and Artist Diploma at the College-Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati. Erik is currently in his second year as a Resident Artist with Pittsburgh Opera. This summer, he will be singing with the Glimmerglass Opera, performing the role of Judd in Oklahoma!. Thank you, Erik!

#spcpaalum @lubridermis_
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Congratulations to the 10 students who were inducted into the National Honor Society (NHS) last night in the Lehr Theater! These students have demonstrated excellence in academics, service to their communities, and leadership around SPCPA. A special thanks to all the current members who helped induct this new cohort! NHS, facilitated at SPCPA by Social Studies teacher, Natalie Reinhart, "recognizes and encourages academic achievement while developing other characteristics essential to citizens in a democracy."

#spcpaacademics
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SPCPA Alumni Spotlight: Zach Manske

Since graduating from SPCPA, Zach Manske has built an exciting and dynamic career in the world of professional dance. After earning his BFA in Dance from the University of Southern California's Gloria Kaufman School of Dance under the direction of Jodie Gates, Zach went on to join the Grand Rapids Ballet as a company dancer.

Since 2022, Zach has been a Company Artist with the internationally renowned The Joffrey Ballet—one of the premier ballet companies in the United States, known for its versatility, innovation, and world-class artistry.

This weekend (April 17–19), you can catch Zach performing in A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Berkeley, California, choreographed by Alexander Ekman.

Tickets: calperformances.org/events/2025-26/dance/the-joffrey-ballet-midsummer-nights-dream/

Zach’s artist profile: joffrey.org/the-company/company-artists/zachary-manske/

We are so proud to see Zach’s continued growth and success on some of the biggest stages in the country. Congratulations, Zach!

#spcpaalum #joffreyballet #ballet
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SPCPA Alumni Spotlight: Noah Coon

Since graduating from SPCPA, Noah Coon has carved out a dynamic and accomplished career as a musical theater artist. After earning his BFA in Musical Theatre / Dance from Roosevelt University (Chicago College of the Performing Arts) Noah has performed across the Twin Cities with some of the region’s leading companies, including the Guthrie Theater, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, Children’s Theatre Company, History Theatre, Old Log Theatre, and with Collide Theatrical.

Noah has also performed in Regional Theaters across the country and several national tours.

This spring, Noah returns to the SPCPA community in a special way, performing as Larry in A Chorus Line at Park Square Theatre, a production our 9th–11th grade students will attend together on the last day of school! A Chorus Line features 2 SPCPA alum, 2 SPCPA teachers–and the assistant director is a current SPCPA senior!

Congratulations, Noah!

#parksquaretheatre #spcpaalum #musicaltheatre
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SPCPA Alumni Spotlight: Emily Scinto

Since graduating from SPCPA, Emily Scinto has built a vibrant and successful career as a musical theater artist. After earning her BFA in Musical Theatre from Minnesota State University, Mankato, Emily has performed across the Twin Cities with some of the region’s leading companies, including the Guthrie Theater, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, Children’s Theatre Company, History Theatre, and Old Log Theatre.

Emily has also performed in Chicago, appearing in Grease at Drury Lane Theatre as Cha-Cha DiGregorio and understudying Rizzo. Additional credits include performances at the Paramount Theatre in Frozen and Cats.

We are especially excited that Emily will return to the SPCPA community in a special way this spring—she is playing Cassie in A Chorus Line at Park Square Theatre, a production our 9th–11th grade students will attend together on the last day of school!

Learn more about Emily and her work here: emilyscinto.com

Congratulations, Emily!
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SPCPA Alumni Spotlight: Kaitlyn Andrews

From the studio to the sky—Kaitlyn Andrews continues to redefine what it means to be a performance artist.

After graduating from SPCPA, Kaitlyn studied theater at Northwestern University, where she immersed herself in experimental and physical performance. That work led her to Actors Gymnasium, where she discovered her passion for aerial rope.

Today, Kaitlyn is a professional aerialist, clown, and circus coach based in Chicago—bringing bold physical storytelling to life both on the ground and in the air.

Most recently, Kaitlyn performed in AQUÍ O ALLÁ, a clown piece exploring displacement, belonging, and found family. Directed by Raquel Torre and presented by Actors Gymnasium & La Vuelta Theater Lab, the show recently closed after a powerful run.

You can catch Kaitlyn performing in the air across Chicago at various events and productions.

Congratulations, Kaitlyn!

#spcpaalum #clowning
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SPCPA Alumni Spotlight

We’re thrilled to celebrate alum Rebecca (Beck) Fulin, a dynamic trumpet player and driving force in the Duluth music scene. Beck has been working tirelessly across the area, leading multiple jazz groups and serving as Artistic Director of the Duluth Community Jazz Band—recently wrapping a season Beck planned and prepared.

Beck’s musical footprint in Duluth is expansive, performing with groups like The Becktet, The Solicitors, and Jazzquatch, and continuing to build a vibrant, collaborative jazz community.

Coming up next: catch the Duluth Community Jazz Band at the JAM Festival in Duluth on April 30!

And this summer, don’t miss one of the more creative projects we’ve heard about, Beck leads a band called, D-Town Driftway – A live Mario Kart band starting May 29, where musicians perform the Mario Kart 8 soundtrack in real time as the game is played. Yes—menu music, race themes, intros, outros, and more. It’s as fun as it sounds.

Congrats, Beck!

#spcpaalum #jazz #duluthcommunityjazzband
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SPCPA Alumni Spotlight

We’re excited to celebrate SPCPA alum Phineas Pope (Class of 2020)!

Since graduating, Phineas earned his Bachelor of Arts from Drake University, where he studied piano. (Fun fact: the photo here captures Phineas doing exactly that during his time at SPCPA!)

If you’ve been listening to MPR and thought you recognized a voice—you’re right. That’s Phineas! He is now a newscaster with Minnesota Public Radio, bringing stories to life across the state.

Take a listen to his latest work on MPR here: www.mprnews.org/people/ppope/1

Congratulations, Phineas!

#SPCPA #AlumniSpotlight #MPR #Piano #spcpaalum
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