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.
SPCPA provides authentic arts training taught by current professional artists using the conservatory model while delivering rigorous academics aligned with Minnesota state standards in English, math, science, social studies, and world languages. Students engage in a comprehensive educational experience that integrates college-preparatory academics with intensive arts instruction in a supportive, creative community.
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?
📣All Students Start Monday! 📣
A reminder that all SPCPA students start school this Monday, August 17! This is a change from previous years, so we wanted to make sure everyone has it on their calendar.
Doors open by 7:30 AM, classes start at 8:00 AM.
We can’t wait to welcome everyone back! 💚🖤
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Welcome to our Visual Arts Staff Jacob Bennett!
Jacob is a ceramic artist and educator with nearly eight years of experience on the wheel. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Minnesota, where he also worked as a Ceramics TA and technician, gaining hands-on expertise in glaze mixing and kiln operation.
Jacob's studio practice centers on functional garden ware such as fountains, birdbaths, and other outdoor forms—paired with ongoing experimentation in glaze chemistry.
As an educator, Jacob will focus on helping young artists discover their own creative voice, encouraging them to think inventively about different natural and everyday materials. His teaching also will have a strong emphasis on working in harmony with the natural world, creating space for students to connect with nature's beauty. Outside of school, Jacob is still deep in glaze testing and throwing on the wheel! He also loves exploring the Twin Cities and trying out new coffee shops!
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Meet Korma Aguh-Stuckmayer, a Nigerian-born dance artist, educator, and cultural leader based in Minnesota. She is the Founder & CEO of Afrocontigbo Dance & Wellness Company, using dance, storytelling, and cultural education to celebrate African heritage, wellness, and community.
Since founding Afrocontigbo in 2014, Korma has built a powerful bridge between traditional Igbo movement and contemporary African dance styles. Her work has been featured at the Minnesota State Fair, Ordway, Minnesota Fringe Festival, Little Africa Festival, and Minnesota Timberwolves African Night.
Through Afrocontigbo, Korma reaches more than 1,000 community members each year and creates paid opportunities for more than 30 artists. She also leads school and community residencies across Minnesota, helping young people build creativity, confidence, cultural pride, and wellness through movement.
A passionate advocate for holistic well-being and cultural preservation, Korma believes movement is a pathway to healing, wholeness, and joy. We are excited to welcome her and celebrate the artistry, culture, and perspective she brings to our community!
Welcome to SPCPA!
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Welcome to SPCPA Danielle Ricci Cheng!
Danielle is an educator, choreographer, director, and dancer. She received her BFA in Dance Performance from University of California, Irvine under direction of Donald McKayle. She graduated with an MA in Arts and Cultural Management from St. Mary's University of Minnesota and earned an MFA in Choreography from Jacksonville University. She has studied at The Ailey School in New York City as part of their Certificate in Dance Program and has danced professionally in California, Texas, and Minnesota performing with Loretta Livingston and Dancers, Austin Classical Ballet, and Austin City Ballet.
Danielle is the Founding Artistic Director of Borealis Dance Theatre- a contemporary modern dance company based in Minneapolis. She is also Director of Dance Camera North- International Dance Film Festival and Minnesota High School Dance Festival. She has served as an adjunct professor of dance at Winona State University and has presented work and taught at the American College Dance Festival Association upper Midwest conference in association with University of Wisconsin, River Falls where she has been a guest artist for the past nine years. Danielle specializes in ballet, modern/ contemporary, jazz, musical theatre, improvisation and partnering, social justice choreographic practices, and dance appreciation. She has choreographed over 30 musicals for high schools, universities, and professional theatre companies. Along with directing BDT, Danielle currently teaches ballet and contemporary dance at Minnesota State University, Mankato, modern/ contemporary dance at Ballet Royale Minnesota, ballet at Turning Pointe Dance Studio and coaches the Minneapolis Dance Team for MPS.
Join us in welcoming Danielle to our team!
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Workshop Days Our staff is back, collaborating, planning, learning, and getting ready to welcome our students for another incredible year at SPCPA!
There’s a lot of excitement in the building as we prepare for the first day and we can’t wait to see our students back in the halls. Here’s to a great year of learning, creating, performing, and growing together! 💚🖤
We’re ready, SPCPA. Let’s go!
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Welcome back to SPCPA Chris Hepola!
Chris is a drummer, pianist and composer based in the Twin Cities. He has worked in many musical settings for live audiences throughout North America and Europe, including: Lincoln Center, The Newport Folk Festival, Bush Hall in London and The Greek Theater in L.A.
He has worked as a music director and composer for theater productions that have debuted locally, nationally and internationally including Joe’s Pub in New York, Tricklock Theater in Albuquerque, The Playwrights Center in Minneapolis and the ITSelF Festival in Warsaw, Poland.
Additionally, Chris has written scores for films through commissions with syncopated silents, the Minnesota History Center, Sound Unseen, Twin Cities Horror Festival, the Minnesota State Arts Board and others. In addition, Chris records, produces, performs and tours with artists making music in a variety of different genres.
We are thrilled to have Chris back!
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Welcome to SPCPA Curtis Thompson!
Curtis is an active performer, educator, instructor, and recording artist whose work spans classical, modern, musical theater, popular, and chamber music. A multi-instrumentalist with a passion for diverse musical traditions, he focuses on performing and recording 20th-century classical guitar repertoire.
Curtis served as Guitar Instructor at Idaho State University, where he taught applied guitar, developed curriculum for the university’s Commercial Music program, and advocated for music education through outreach to rural schools throughout Idaho.
Curtis is currently the Coordinator of the Celedonio Romero Guitar Institute and the rhythm coach MMEA All-State Jazz Band. He holds degrees in guitar performance from Idaho State University and Northern Arizona University and is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Guitar Performance at the University of Minnesota.
Based in the Minneapolis area, Curtis performs throughout the Midwest with collegiate, orchestral, and community ensembles. His debut album, Tonada (2023), features works by Ponce, Barrios, Villa-Lobos, and Lauro. This Fall, Curtis is collaborating with the Fargo-Moorhead Choral Artists to present works for guitar and choir.
Please give a warm welcome to Curtis!
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Welcome to SPCPA Leon Valencia!
Leon is a Twin Cities-based multimedia visual artist with over ten years of art and education experience. They hold a BA from Instituto Allende and have worked with organizations and galleries such as The MIA, CLUES, Highpoint Printmaking Center, The Creating Change Gallery, The University of Minnesota Quarter Gallery and was a studio artist with Public Functionary. As an educator, Leon focuses on hands-on learning, deepening critical thinking skills and adapting lessons to align with curiosity and interests. Outside of teaching at SPCPA, they are currently working for Ricardo Levins Morales in his Minnehaha Ave. studio & shop and at their own studio (#467) in the Northrup King Building.
Welcome to SPCPA Leon! 😀✍🎨
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Welcome to SPCPA Dr. Kelsey K. Rogers!
Dr. Rogers is a Twin-Cities based soprano, voice teacher, and director who is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Badlands Opera Project, a regional opera company in Dickinson, ND that focuses on creating a sense of community and place through the creation of collaborative performing arts – both opera and musical theater.
Dr. Rogers sings locally with The Singers: Minnesota Choral Artists and the Minnesota Saints Chorale and Orchestra, for whom she is the Assistant Director. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from North Dakota State University, as well as a Master of Music from the University of Arizona, both in vocal performance. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree in choral music education from Brigham Young University.
Dr. Rogers taught choir in the public schools, and was an adjunct faculty member at Dickinson State University, where she taught voice and related courses. Her students have received collegiate vocal and choral music scholarships, degrees in music education and performance, become music teachers, and performed with regional and major opera companies. She believes singing can lift and heal both individuals and communities and is excited and honored to become part of the SPCPA community.
Welcome Dr. Rogers!
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