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.
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Alumni Spotlight: Elinor Kleber Diggs (’18)
We’re thrilled to celebrate SPCPA dance alum Elinor Kleber Diggs (KD), whose career continues to flourish as an innovative multidisciplinary artist based in New York City.
Originally from Saint Paul, Elinor began their artistic journey at SPCPA and TU Dance Center before earning a BFA in Dance Performance with a concentration in composition from Purchase College Conservatory of Dance.
Since graduating, Elinor has shared original work at renowned venues throughout New York and beyond while building a practice that weaves together choreography, photography, videography, and sound. Their recent honors include the 2026 Dancing While Black Fellowship through Angela’s Pulse, the 2025 Baryshnikov Arts Fellowship at Kaatsbaan Cultural Park, and multiple prestigious artist residencies in both New York and Minnesota.
Now, we’re especially excited to share that Elinor has been commissioned by ARENA DANCES to create a brand-new work premiering September 25–26 at Luminary Arts Center in Minneapolis!
Congratulations, Elinor! Your creativity, vision, and artistic voice continue to inspire, and we’re proud to count you among the incredible SPCPA alumni making an impact in the arts.
#SPCPA #SPCPAAlumni #AlumniSpotlight #Dance #ARENADANCES #LuminaryArtsCenter #spcpaalum … See MoreSee Less
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One in four SPCPA graduates made the Pioneer Press Top Graduates list this year.
20 members of the SPCPA Class of 2026 were recognized for their outstanding academic achievement, a remarkable accomplishment for a school where students dedicate half of every day to intensive arts training while pursuing rigorous academics. Congratulations to these exceptional artists and scholars! 🎓🎭🎶🎨✨ … See MoreSee Less
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SPCPA Alumni Spotlight: Nathan Barlow (’09)
Tonight, we are proud to spotlight SPCPA alumnus Nathan Barlow (’09), who will perform at the historic Capri Theater as part of That Prince Spark: Only in Minneapolis.
After graduating from SPCPA, Nathan earned his BFA through the University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater Actor Training Program. Since then, he has built an impressive career as an actor, musician, and songwriter, performing with many of the Twin Cities’ leading theater companies, including Penumbra Theatre, the Guthrie Theater, Mixed Blood Theatre, Ten Thousand Things, Children’s Theatre Company, Pillsbury House Theatre, Theatre Latte Da, History Theatre, and others. He has also performed nationally at Arena Stage and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
In addition to his work as an actor, Nathan performs and records original music under the name Barlow. Tonight’s free concert at the Capri Theater celebrates the Minneapolis musical legacy that helped shape artists like Prince and continues to inspire a new generation of performers.
Congratulations, Nathan! The entire SPCPA community is proud of your accomplishments and excited to celebrate your work.
SPCPA Alumni Spotlight: Nathan Barlow (’09) … See MoreSee Less
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SPCPA music students under the direction of instructor, Mathew Vinge, played the Prince Celebration Block Party on Saturday.
Check out the videos!
SPCPA introduction and Let's Go Crazy
drive.google.com/file/d/1GxT3BEmvXLhJLef3ZL8LsCav9zZJRyjS/view?usp=drivesdk
Purple Rain
drive.google.com/file/d/1fdnSu7pIGvC9pAtASr6hVHizBFGKouN1/view?usp=drivesdk … See MoreSee Less
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Finale. … See MoreSee Less
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Perks of attending a downtown high school #3: You can walk to field trips.
Yesterday, SPCPA students in grades 9–11 wrapped up the school year with a short walk to Park Square Theatre to see its stunning production of A Chorus Line.
A musical about the joy, passion, and fragility of life as a young artist felt like the perfect way to end the year for a community of young artists.
Many thanks to Park Square Theatre for its generosity and hospitality. It was a memorable way to close out the school year.
#spcpacommunity #parksqauretheatre … See MoreSee Less
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Fox 9 News captured SPCPA students rehearsing "Purple Rain" Tuesday afternoon at the O'Shaughnessy ahead of that evening's comencement ceremony. We're excited to share that same student band has been invited to perform the song at the Prince Celebration Block Party on Saturday, June 6, for 15,000 people!
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We’re honored to share that a student band from SPCPA has been selected to perform at the June 6 Prince Celebration Block Party, a special event honoring the life, music, and legacy of Prince.
Music Instructor Matthew Vinge recently joined FOX 9 News to talk about what this opportunity means to our school community.
We are incredibly proud to see our students representing SPCPA while celebrating one of Minnesota’s most iconic artists. 💜🎶 … See MoreSee Less
Prince celebration will feature band from St. Paul performing arts school
www.fox9.com
The life and legacy of Prince will be celebrated at a block party on June 6. A student band from the St. Paul Conservatory of Performing Arts is one of several that have gotten the honor of being sele…1 CommentsComment on Facebook