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 is thrilled to announce that acclaimed playwright Jeffrey Hatcher will be our guest 2026 Commencement Speaker! Join us as we celebrate the Class of 2026 on Tuesday, May 26 at 7 PM at the The O'Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University.

Jeffrey Hatcher is one of America’s most widely produced playwrights. American Theatre magazine has frequently listed him among the nation’s most produced living playwrights, ranking him as high as fifth. His works include original plays such as Scotland Road, Three Viewings, Compleat Female Stage Beauty, and A Picasso, as well as celebrated adaptations of classics including Dial M for Murder, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Government Inspector, and Tuesdays with Morrie (co-written with Mitch Albom). His play, Good 'n' Plenty, was SPCPA's very first J-Term project play in January of 2006.

Hatcher’s plays have been performed on Broadway, Off-Broadway, at regional theaters across the United States, and internationally. He has also written for film and television: his screenplay Stage Beauty, starring Billy Crudup and Claire Danes, was released in 2004, and he co-wrote Mrs. Henderson Presents, directed by Stephen Frears and starring Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins. He also scripted The Good Liar, starring Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren.

Through his stage and screen work, Hatcher has built a career marked by wit, craft, and remarkable versatility, making him a leading voice in contemporary theater.

#spcpacommunity #saintpaulconservatoryforperformingartists #spcpa #creativewriting #theatre
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SPCPA is thrilled to announce that acclaimed playwright Jeffrey Hatcher will be our guest 2026 Commencement Speaker! Join us as we celebrate the Class of 2026 on Tuesday, May 26 at 7 PM at the The OShaughnessy at St. Catherine University.

Jeffrey Hatcher is one of America’s most widely produced playwrights. American Theatre magazine has frequently listed him among the nation’s most produced living playwrights, ranking him as high as fifth. His works include original plays such as Scotland Road, Three Viewings, Compleat Female Stage Beauty, and A Picasso, as well as celebrated adaptations of classics including Dial M for Murder, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Government Inspector, and Tuesdays with Morrie (co-written with Mitch Albom).  His play, Good n Plenty, was SPCPAs very first J-Term project play in January of 2006. 

Hatcher’s plays have been performed on Broadway, Off-Broadway, at regional theaters across the United States, and internationally. He has also written for film and television: his screenplay Stage Beauty, starring Billy Crudup and Claire Danes, was released in 2004, and he co-wrote Mrs. Henderson Presents, directed by Stephen Frears and starring Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins. He also scripted The Good Liar, starring Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren.

Through his stage and screen work, Hatcher has built a career marked by wit, craft, and remarkable versatility, making him a leading voice in contemporary theater.

#spcpacommunity #saintpaulconservatoryforperformingartists #spcpa #creativewriting #theatre

1 CommentComment on Facebook

Fantastic!

The weather cooperated for our very first SPCPA Reads event, which invited students and faculty to read and share snacks in Rice Park. Our next event will be in October, so look out for future messages!

#SPCPA #saintpaulconservatory
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The weather cooperated for our very first SPCPA Reads event, which invited students and faculty to read and share snacks in Rice Park. Our next event will be in October, so look out for future messages!

#spcpa #saintpaulconservatoryImage attachmentImage attachment+5Image attachment

1 CommentComment on Facebook

I love this!

It's college season, and the first CommonApp Cookie party was a success! Together, seniors worked on their college applications and helped each other navigate the CommonApp platform. Did you miss last week's lunch sessions? Stop by next week! We'll be hanging in Ms. Johnson's room on Tuesday and Thursday.

#spcpa #sainpaulconservatory
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Its college season, and the first CommonApp Cookie party was a success! Together, seniors worked on their college applications and helped each other navigate the CommonApp platform. Did you miss last weeks lunch sessions? Stop by next week! Well be hanging in Ms. Johnsons room on Tuesday and Thursday.

#spcpa #sainpaulconservatory

Catch a whole bunch of SPCPA alum and former SPCPA teachers in Exposed Brick Theatre's Through Our Eyes 2 – New Play Festival. In the first two weeks of the Festival, former SPCPA student Mayra Gurrola Calderón gets her professional playwriting debut with Quinceañera, directed by former teacher Nora Montañez Patterson, with film direction by SPCPA alum Sequoia Hauck. Burn & Dash features alum Lily Bo Eun Goebel in the cast. Isabella Freeland is the props designer, Arianna Diaz-Celon the Communications Coordinator and Simone Abraham is the Access Coordinator. The Festival is produced by former SPCPA teachers Aamera Siddiqui & Suzy Messerole.

Wow – Exciting to see so many former students and teachers now working together professionally!

More information and tickets: bit.ly/EBTFestival

#spcpaalum #spcpacommunity #saintpaulconservatory #exposedbricktheatreh
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Catch a whole bunch of SPCPA alum and former SPCPA teachers in Exposed Brick Theatres Through Our Eyes 2 - New Play Festival.  In the first two weeks of the Festival, former SPCPA student Mayra Gurrola Calderón gets her professional playwriting debut with Quinceañera, directed by former teacher Nora Montañez Patterson, with film direction by SPCPA alum Sequoia Hauck. Burn & Dash features alum Lily Bo Eun Goebel in the cast. Isabella Freeland is the props designer, Arianna Diaz-Celon the Communications Coordinator and Simone Abraham is the Access Coordinator. The Festival is produced by former SPCPA teachers Aamera Siddiqui & Suzy Messerole.  

Wow - Exciting to see so many former students and teachers now working together professionally!

More information and tickets: bit.ly/EBTFestival

#spcpaalum #spcpacommunity #saintpaulconservatory #exposedbricktheatrehImage attachment

1 CommentComment on Facebook

Thank you so much for sharing this! The SPCPA alums are doing INCREDIBLE work!!!

J-Term Announcement #13: FROM JAM TO GIG.

Ever wondered what it’s like to take an idea and turn it into a live performance? This J-Term, join SPCPA teacher and professional musician, Chris Hepola, to form a band, create original music, and take the stage at MetroNOME Brewery for two performances, January 24 & 25!

#spcpa #spcpajterm #metronomebrewery
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J-Term Announcement #13:  FROM JAM TO GIG.  

Ever wondered what it’s like to take an idea and turn it into a live performance? This J-Term, join SPCPA teacher and professional musician, Chris Hepola, to form a band, create original music, and take the stage at MetroNOME Brewery for two performances, January 24 & 25!

#spcpa #spcpajterm #metronomebrewery

We are thrilled to announce that Alex Eady will serve as one of the choreographers for this year’s J-Term Dance Concert, which will take place at the Barbara Barker Center for Dance at the University of Minnesota.

Alex is a dedicated educator who continues to teach at SPCPA, while also building a distinguished career as a performer and creator. She is a longtime company member with Ananya Dance Theatre and has collaborated with a wide range of artists and organizations. In addition to choreographing, Alex will also be producing this year’s J-Term Concert, bringing her artistry and vision to the SPCPA stage. We can’t wait to share Alex’s work with our community this January!

More about Alex: alexandraeady.com/
Photo by Canaan Mattson

#spcpa #spcpajterm #saintpaulconservatory #dance #barbarabarkercenterfordance
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We are thrilled to announce that Alex Eady will serve as one of the choreographers for this year’s J-Term Dance Concert, which will take place at the Barbara Barker Center for Dance at the University of Minnesota.

Alex is a dedicated educator who continues to teach at SPCPA, while also building a distinguished career as a performer and creator. She is a longtime company member with Ananya Dance Theatre and has collaborated with a wide range of artists and organizations. In addition to choreographing, Alex will also be producing this year’s J-Term Concert, bringing her artistry and vision to the SPCPA stage.  We can’t wait to share Alex’s work with our community this January! 

More about Alex:  https://alexandraeady.com/
Photo by Canaan Mattson

#spcpa #spcpajterm #saintpaulconservatory #dance #barbarabarkercenterfordance

4 CommentsComment on Facebook

Yes Alex!

Go Alex!!!!

Yeah, Alex 🙌🏿🙌🏿

J-Term Announcement #11: IN THE GALLERY WITH INTERACT. For three weeks at Interact Center for Visual and Performing Arts, SPCPA students will collaborate with Interact artists to create original works for public exhibition in Interact's brand new and beautiful gallery. This residency invites students into an active gallery environment where process and product intertwine, culminating in a final showcase that reflects both individual voices and collective vision.

#interactcenterforthevisualandperformingarts #visualart #spcpa #spcpajterm
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J-Term Announcement #11:  IN THE GALLERY WITH INTERACT.  For three weeks at Interact Center for Visual and Performing Arts, SPCPA students will collaborate with Interact artists to create original works for public exhibition in Interacts brand new and beautiful gallery. This residency invites students into an active gallery environment where process and product intertwine, culminating in a final showcase that reflects both individual voices and collective vision.

#interactcenterforthevisualandperformingarts #visualart #spcpa #spcpajterm
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