The Performing Arts Academy provides performing arts education for students from age 3 through 12th grade in the south Denver metro area through high quality, character and community-focused classes and productions.
Our Mission
To create community, build character, and inspire excellence through performing arts education by bringing the transformative power of the performing arts to all.
Our Vision
To transform our community and our world, through a generation of students who are confident in their self-worth, understand the importance of serving their community, and recognize the value in our individual differences.
About PAA
Performing Arts Academy (PAA) offers high-quality, character-building performing arts education for students ages 3 through 12th grade in the south Denver metro area. Through classes in acting, dance, voice, music, technical theater, and more, plus multiple musicals and plays each season, our professional faculty help every student build confidence, skills, and character, whatever their experience level. Research backs this up: a World Health Organization review of more than 3,000 studies found strong links between the arts and children's wellbeing, social development, and language skills.
Our Outreach Program partners with schools and local organizations to bring theater, dance, and music directly to students in Title I schools, including Field, Sedalia, and Little Raven Elementary, at no cost to students or their families. Students build confidence and social skills and get to experience the arts firsthand. The program is funded entirely by donations.
Cost shouldn't decide who gets to take part, so PAA has a financial aid fund to ease the burden for families who need it. Awards come in all sizes, and we review each family's situation individually.
Visit https://paacolorado.org/ for more information and to sign up today!
Testimonials:
Student surveys include a comment field which are both positive & constructive. Some examples from Outreach: "it was osum.” “I had the best people to teach me” “This whole thing is excellent” “I love it becaues it is my first time.”
The principal at the Sedalia Elementary Outreach program sent this letter to PAA’s Executive Director:
“...By the way, our kids STILL talk about the Lion King performance. One of our 4th graders told me they were going to "do the play". When I asked which play, they said the Pirates play…. That wasn't too surprising since ALL the kids get to "do the play". The best part was that she is excited to "do the play" so she can gain confidence to help with the BIG play next fall (your play). It's so awesome to hear kids making plans and seeing connections with where they are now and where they want to be next year. That's not typical with a lot of elementary students and wouldn't have been for this student. Your impact on kids' lives continues to reach beyond the time you've been on our campus. Many continued thanks”
The Performing Arts Academy's mission is Creating Community, Building Character and Inspiring Excellence through performing arts education by bringing the transformative power of the performing arts to all.
VISION:
To transform our community and our world, through a generation of students who are confident in their self-worth, understand the importance of serving their community, and recognize the value in our individual differences.
Inspired by a passion for performing arts education and a commitment to helping children discover their best selves, Dr. James Ramsey founded the Performing Arts Academy in 2006. When founded, there were 26 2nd-8th grade students in a one-week program which produced a performance of Songs from Around the World. Due to the success and excitement from students and parents after this experience, Dr. Ramsey sought to create an entirely inclusive program that focused on theatre arts education for children and youth while cultivating their confidence and self-worth. The Performing Arts Academy (PAA) was developed to foster independence through age-appropriate responsibilities, emphasize teamwork, encourage kids to fail forward and work through challenges in a supportive environment, and nurture authentic self-confidence through performing arts education.
The program grew quickly through "word of mouth." Since its conception, the program evolved from a one-week musical theatre program to a year-round program that includes nine 8-10-week after school musicals and plays and more than a dozen 1 and 2 week programs in the summer including both half and full day options. Successfully becoming a 501(c)(3) organization in 2011 enabled PAA to continue growing and impacting more students in the community. In order to sustain the growth rate each year, PAA expanded offerings in musical theatre productions, classes, summer camps, and unique masterclasses with theatre professionals. In 2014, PAA launched the Outreach program in Title I schools where children have limited access to performing arts education opportunities. PAA has encouraged and inspired over 6,000 students to learn, perform, and grow within a place of safety and opportunity. These Outreach programs have grown to 3 schools in 2 counties with a goal to expand into even more Denver Metro areas.
By offering a positive and creative arts alternative for children and youth, PAA will continue to serve communities through high quality programming, educationally sound performances, and class opportunities for students of all backgrounds and abilities supporting their overall character development.
Organization name
PAA - Performing Arts Academy
other names
Performing Arts Academy, PAA
2006
Tax id (EIN)
45-4372479
Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
5690 County Line Place Unit A Unit ADouglas County, CO, US
Arapahoe County, CO, US