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.
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.
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.
Need more?
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SAINT PAUL CONSERVATORY FOR PERFORMING ARTISTS
p 651.290.2225 – f 651.290.9000
info@spcpa.org
SPCPA is authorized by the University of St. Thomas
We were thrilled to welcome Ten Thousand Things Theater to SPCPA’s Studio 2 on Tuesday to perform Two Gents by William Shakespeare! Our 11th and 12th graders in Theatre and Musical Theatre loved how the company made Shakespeare so engaging and accessible—thank you, TTT, for sharing your incredible work with our students!
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When one creative door closes, another opens — and this one opens right here in Saint Paul!
While we'll no longer be able to offer the Nature Writing Project, we’re thrilled to announce its replacement for J-Term 2026 – Emerging Voices: The Five-Minute Play Festival, created in partnership with the world-renowned The Playwrights' Center, which just opened its stunning new space in Saint Paul.
Students will dive into the art of playwriting in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Guided by a professional artist affiliated with the Playwrights’ Center, students will explore character, dialogue, and structure as they develop their own original five-minute plays.
The project will culminate in a workshop-style staged reading at the Playwrights’ Center, where students will share their new works in front of a live audience.
We’re so grateful to the Playwrights’ Center for stepping in at the last minute to make this exciting opportunity possible — and can’t wait to see what stories our emerging voices create!
#SPCPA #JTerm2026 #PlaywrightsCenter #EmergingVoices #StudentWriters #pwcenter #spcpajterm … See MoreSee Less
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Wowza……I want to take that J-Term! Bravo SPCPA for making it happen!!
fabulous!
Last week, the AP U.S. History students debated independence for the 13 colonies. Students were split into “Patriot” and “Loyalist” teams. Patriots got a narrow victory in both classes—mirroring history!
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J-Term choreographer #4: Herb Johnson III & Mia Johnson!
McKnight Fellow, Herb Johnson III, Aka JDot Tight Eyez, graduated from Perpich Center for the Performing Arts in 2010 and studied 3 years at the Lundstrum Center for Arts. He currently choreographs for Timberwolves Entertainment 612 Crew. Professional work includes iLuminate from America’s Got Talent, Choreographing T-Pain halftime for NBA Abu Dhabi games 2023 and SuperBowl 52 half-time Show 2018 with Justin Timberlake.
Co- Choreographer and SPCPA alum, Mia Johnson, is a versatile dance artist who began dancing in hip hop & street styles and is an alum of TU Dance, SPCPA. Mia graduated with a B.A. in Dance from the University of Minnesota. She was a member of hip hop collective “S.H.E.- She Who Holds Everything” under directors Al Taw’am and freelance performer in productions such as “Mixtape” and “Rooted: A Hip Hop Choreographer’s Evening” in which Mia also premiered a self-choreographed piece. She continues training, battling, performing, creating & teaching, largely within the style of KRUMP.
The piece will rehearse at TU Dance and perform at the Barbara Barker Center for Dance. The 2026 J-Term Google Site goes live to SPCPA families this Friday!
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Represent king 👑
Excellent 🔥🔥🔥
That's SPCPA dance teacher, SCOTT STAFFORD, at the National Dance Education Conference this weekend in Detroit. At the NDEO, dance teachers engage with pedegogy & curriculum design, inclusive & equitable practices, technique & movement classes, research & scholarship, classroom/studio management, advocacy for dance, community networking & collaboration, health/wellnes & somatics, and many other workshops and intensives. Scott teaches Capstone (Sr. Choreographed pieces) amongst other classes.
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👏👏
My license is in theater and dance, but now I just substitute for any high school subject in the St Paul Public Schools. Do you ever need subs? Please message me if so!
Huge congrats to recent SPCPA alum, Sofia Rose Itskovich (class of 2020) – Sofia is the new Production Stage Manager for the 2025–2026 Broadway National Tour of Chicago. Catch the tour in a city near you – way to go, Sofia!
More info: chicagoontour.com/
#spcpaalum #spcpacommunity #stagemanagerlife #SPCPA #saintpaulconservatory #musicaltheatre … See MoreSee Less
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Congrats!
This is amazing Sofia!
Literally the best stage manager i have ever had, she was made for this
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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.
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Bravi! 🌹
Fantastic!