Shafer Street Playhouse, 221 Shafer St, Richmond, VA 23284, US

HistoryFounded by Jeri Cutler-Voltz in 1981, SPARC has enjoyed three decades of continual growth. What began in a home on the south side of Richmond soon became a network of instructional locations spread throughout the Richmond community. In 2008, SPARC moved into its permanent facility at 2106 North Hamilton Street, which now houses its black box theater, instructional spaces, and administrative offices. SPARC continues to offer classes in satellite locations throughout the community and provides free performing arts training in many area schools.SpecialtiesAbout SPARC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1981 and is one of the nation's most comprehensive, community-based youth performing arts education organizations. SPARC provides an atmosphere where creative expression flourishes, meaningful connections are built, and individuality is celebrated. In its 37 years, SPARC has engaged over 15,000 children, ages 4 to 18, in a variety of award-winning community and school-based arts programs encompassing music, dance, acting, and theatre productions for beginners to advanced students.