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.
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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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Welcome to SPCPA Daniel Adu-Gyamfi!
Daniel is a Twin Cities-based dancer, choreographer, educator, and creative artist with over 16 years of experience in dance and performance. Originally from Houston, Texas, Daniel has spent years developing his craft and performing throughout the United States, with his primary styles rooted in Hip Hop and House dance.
As an educator, Daniel focuses on helping dancers develop their individuality, musicality, confidence, and ability to express themselves through movement. His teaching approach combines foundational technique with freestyle, creativity, and an emphasis on creating an encouraging environment where dancers can discover their own voice.
Outside of teaching, Daniel continues to perform, choreograph, DJ, and contribute to the Twin Cities dance community through workshops, events, and creative projects. He is also the founder of Black Star Society, a Twin Cities-based organization focused on creating opportunities for emerging artists through dance, visual arts, talent showcases, and community fundraising events.
We are grateful to have such a talented performer on staff. Welcome Daniel!
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Welcome to our Creative Writing Team Arielle Newfield!
Ariel is a Twin-Cities based poet and educator with over five years of publishing and educating experience. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hamline University. As a writer, her work blends poetry and fiction forms to showcase the complexity of human experiences. Arielle’s poetry was previously published in the Fulcrum Journal, and, in 2024, she received the Hamline University Writing Across Genres Award for her work.
As an educator, Arielle focuses on developing artistic voice, reflecting on creative practice, and cultivating collaboration across disciplines. Outside of teaching at SPCPA, she is currently developing her hybrid-form novel.
Welcome to SPCPA Arielle!
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Welcome to SPCPA Emily Nies!
Emily is a passionate dance and theatre educator, dedicated to creating holistic, process-driven learning environments where students are encouraged to embrace the beauty of imperfection and the transformative power of authentic creative expression.
A Minneapolis native, she attended Pace University in New York City for Musical Theatre and Dance. She has over a decade of professional experience performing and teaching at theaters and studios in NYC/East Coast including Broadway Dance Center, Lincoln Center, Pittsburgh CLO, and New York City Center.
As an educator, it’s Emily’s priority that all students feel a sense of community, belonging, and joy in her classes. She celebrates students as whole, unique individuals with the understanding that everyone learns differently. With a group fitness and personal training background, she incorporates dance-centered functional exercises in her warm-ups, inspired by the techniques of Sugarfoot Therapy and Doctors for Dancers. She believes the physical body is both a temple and channel for creative energy to contain and flow, therefore must be treated with care, conditioning, and respect. Additionally, Emily centers the music as the primary tool for storytelling in dance, adopting the philosophy that dancing is music in motion.
Please give a warm SPCPA welcome to Emily!
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Welcome to our SPCPA Community John Brink!
John is a Broadway performer, recording artist, and educator whose career spans Broadway, national tours, arena concerts, and arts education. He earned a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from The Hartt School and an M.A. in Theatre from Montclair State University before making his Broadway debut in the Tony Award-nominated revival of Les Misérables. He also appeared in the acclaimed 25th Anniversary National Tour, understudying the iconic roles of Jean Valjean and Enjolras. Since 2009, John has been a featured vocalist with the internationally renowned Trans-Siberian Orchestra, performing for millions of audience members across North America and appearing on the RIAA Platinum-certified album Night Castle.
Alongside his performing career, John is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of artists. Drawing on more than two decades of professional experience, he brings real-world insight into acting, singing, audition technique, and career preparation. He is passionate about cultivating disciplined, versatile performers who communicate with authenticity, artistry, and confidence. Based in the Twin Cities, John continues to perform professionally while teaching and contributing to Minnesota’s vibrant theater community.
We are excited to have John as part of our team! 🎭😀📣
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Welcome to SPCPA Tin Mai!
Tin graduated from Winona State University with a B.S. in Secondary Mathematics Education. With experience teaching both mathematics and special education across several school districts, he brings a well-rounded approach to the classroom. This year marks his third year of teaching and his first year at SPCPA. He is excited to help students build confidence, strengthen their problem-solving skills, and discover the many ways math connects to the world around them.
Please give a warm welcome to Tin Mai!
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Welcome Alysandra Dutton to SPCPA's Creative Writing team!
Alysandra is a Twin Cities based novelist and the author of The Stolen Women, from Park Row HarperCollins. Her fiction has been published in or honored by The Sun Magazine, Electric Literature: Recommended Reading, the Bread Loaf Writer's Workshop, the Elizabeth George Foundation, and The British School at Rome. She received her MFA from the University of Arkansas, and has taught for many years with Northwestern University's Center for Talent Development, The Loft Literary Center, and other arts orgs & schools, with a particular interest in fiction & publishing. She is working on a second novel of historical fiction, set in 1500s Venice.
Please join us in giving Alysandra a warm SPCPA welcome! 📚✍😀
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