Performing Art Schools in the Twin Cities

Performing art schools have gotten a lot of attention since the new version of Fame was released in movie theatres. There is some truth to the movie's assertion that performing art schools provide unique opportunities for nontraditional learners.

Minnesota high schools are great places for many teenagers to build a solid educational foundation, but some students just don't fit the profile for traditional schooling. This is especially true during an economic recession in which extracurricular classes are being cut left and right from school budgets. Although core subjects are important, they may not be enough to keep some students in school for all four years. Those showing aptitude in music, dance and theatre may prove more successful in all areas of academics if they attend one of the excellent performing art schools in the twin cities.

Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists

SPCPA is the newest of Minnesota's performing art schools, having opened in 2005. The mission of SPCPA is to provide pre-professional artists with a solid education in core academic areas, as well as in instrumental music, vocal music, musical theatre, drama and dance. The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts sponsors SPCPA, enabling it to remain tuition free for students. Between 525 and 575 students attend SPCPA each year, with class sizes averaging 25 students. Students at SPCPA are provided multiple opportunities to showcase and perform their work for the public, thus providing them valuable performance experience for the future.

Perpich Center for Arts Education

Perpich Center for Arts Education is a tuition-free public high school located in Golden Valley, Minnesota. High school juniors and seniors who pass a rigorous application process are allowed to enroll at Perpich. As in most performing art schools, admission is competitive, given that enrollment is limited to 310 students. Many art students commute from their homes in the twin cities, but teens living outside the twin cities can live in on-campus student dormitories while attending Perpich. At Perpich, students have the opportunity to develop their artistic talent in six core areas:

-Visual Arts

-Literary Arts

-Media Arts

-Vocal and instrumental music

-Theatre arts

-Dance studies

Main Street School of Performing Artists

Located a mere two blocks from the Hopkins Center for the Arts, Main Street School is well-known for its rigorous academic program and esteemed educators in music, theatre and dance. Main Street School is a public charter school, which students can attend for all four years of high school. Stages Theatre Company is the developer of Main Street School of Performing Artists, and it has provided high schools students with unique opportunities to train under award-winning instructors and perform in front of large audiences.