The Heart of Youth Theatre: A Closer Look at SPARC

SPARC has been a creative home for young people across Greater Richmond; a place where curiosity is encouraged, confidence is nurtured, and the transformative power of the performing arts takes center stage. From its beloved performance training programs to groundbreaking initiatives that expand access for students of all backgrounds and abilities, SPARC continues to shape the next generation of artists, leaders, and storytellers. In this spotlight, we’re taking a closer look at how the organization’s mission comes to life every day, and why its impact on our community resonates far beyond the stage.

CultureWorks: What do you think makes SPARC special or different from other youth arts organizations?

SPARC: There are a handful of things that stand out to me about SPARC. The first is that we have full-time faculty members on our staff, which means we are able maintain consistency in curriculum across our training programs and SPARC participants are really able to establish a working report with these faculty members, many of whom also participate in professional theatre in the Richmond community.

We also are unique in that we offer hands-on technical theatre experience for youth who are interested in learning about the artistry of theatre design and the ins and outs of working backstage. What that looks like is a cohort of dedicated youth who not only attend class once a week to get in-depth learning opportunities but also volunteer their time on weekends to work with and learn from professional designers in our community, building and painting sets, hanging and focusing lights, creating props, and more. These youth then get to flex their skills by applying them to tech roles on our productions. We even had a professional band come in this year and our tech cohort got to mix that band’s sound while they rehearsed!

CultureWorks: What’s one thing you hope every student walks away with after participating in SPARC programming?

SPARC: We hope they feel empowered. One of our curriculum tenants is Creative Youth Development, which centers their voices in our space. That means they get to establish as a community how they will interact with each other during programming and they learn about self-advocacy and boundaries. In some of our programs they are sharing their personal stories on stage. In other programs, they are collaborating with the instructors on what happens during class. We want create a sense of belonging and also a space of bravery where they can ask for what they need and help their peers do the same.

CultureWorks: If you could pick one word to describe SPARC’s culture, what would it be and why?

SPARC: Human-centered. The performing arts world can be an oxymoron a lot of the time where we’re telling stories about the human experience but trying to reach deadlines that put a lot of strain and pressure on the people who make the art. We don’t subscribe to “the show must go on” here. I love to tell the youth that they are humans first- students, actors, or technicians second. We’re not asking them to show up with their best foot forward every day because we know that’s not always realistic. Instead, we’re going to acknowledge where they are and meet them there. We do the same for the adults that are working with the youth.

CultureWorks: What’s one story or moment that, to you, captures the spirit of SPARC?

SPARC: There was a student several years back who was very interested in working on a production backstage but expressed that they had never felt that was an option for them because they were a person with low vision. We were able to adjust the way we approached production roles in our booth so that this student could be successful as a lighting and sound operator during a show. With intentional inclusion, creative problem-solving and supportive staff at the helm, every student has the opportunity to participate in programs at SPARC.

CultureWorks: How does SPARC connect with the broader Richmond community?

SPARC: SPARC has several in-school and afterschool outreach programs in the fall and spring but the programs that reach the most community members are the Summerstarz Tour, and the Touring Ensembles for middle school and high school students. These programs provide free shows directly to community spaces around the greater Richmond area. These groups have visited Veterans centers, retirement communities, and children’s hospitals to name a handful of spaces.

CultureWorks: How do you hope SPARC will continue to grow in the future?

SPARC: We’re wanting to reach more communities through our outreach programs, as well as expand our technical theatre opportunities.

CultureWorks: What advice would you give to a young person considering joining SPARC (but feeling a bit hesitant)?

SPARC: Take a deep breath and trust that SPARC’s got your back! We welcome youth with all experience and interest levels. There is a place here for you!