What is SPA?

The Summer Performing Arts Company, or SPA, is an eight-week summer arts program available for students in the elementary, middle and high schools in Grand Forks, North Dakota and the surrounding communities. These programs are instructed by staff from the Grand Forks region (including the Grand Forks Public Schools and the University of North Dakota), as well as special guests from around the country.

Students learn and grow in through a variety of experiences in the arts. SPA produces several theatrical performances each year, as well as a series of concerts. Other performance opportunities also exist for students. There are many classes in a variety of areas, including vocal and instrumental ensembles, visual arts, and technology. Individual lessons on voice or an instrument are provided as well. SPA is offered through the Grand Forks Public Schools, and graduation credits are earned by students for their work.

Elementary SPA

Elementary SPA (grades K-5) is a two-week exploratory workshop full of activities such as creative dramatics exercises and theatre games. Students develop characters, create plays, and perform for each other on a daily basis. Also, on the last day there is a student-prepared public performance.

Middle School SPA

Middle School SPA (grades 6-7) is a four-week session focusing on drama, dance, and music. The focus of this program is process rather than product, so emphasis is placed on training. The end performance is a show and tell of what they have learned throughout the session.

High School SPA

High School SPA (grades 8-11) runs for two months, and hours of participation can vary greatly depending on the level of involvement. High school offerings include:

  • Classes, such as vocal ensembles, steel drums, music theory, and jazz dance.
  • Vocal lessons
  • Backstage work on a technical crew
  • On-stage participation in a musical (or drama, when offered)

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SPA Mentoring

The SPA Mentoring Program is designed to create opportunities for students to develop positive peer and adult relationships. All SPA participants have access to mentoring activities. As part of the program, at-risk students can be referred to the program by a counselor, teacher, or parent, and one-one-one attention is given to these students by trained mentors.

The Mission of the SPA Program ~

INSPIRATION THROUGH THE ARTS

  • To provide high-quality arts education for all of SPA’s participants.
  • To create arts-based activities to meet the demand of enrolled students, rather than limit opportunities and enrollment.
  • To include every student that wishes to participate.
  • To create a positive, safe, and respectful learning environment for students.
  • To create a positive, safe, and respectful working environment for educators and staff.
  • To promote and educate students on lifelong skills such as teamwork, cooperation, conflict resolution, tolerance, and good character.

A Closer Look

Look at the impact that SPA has had on students and the community:

-Approximately 6,537 students have participated in the Elementary SPA program from 1987-2007.

-These figures, combined with student lesson totals and the Grand Cities Children’s Choir, give an approximate number of 11,754 students that have participated in the program from 1987-2007.

-To show how the program has grown, in 1988, SPA had 30 participants and 13 staff members. In 2007 there were 1,333 students and 50 staff members.

-A student who participates in the SPA program from Kindergarten or first grade until he/she graduates from high school will spend the equivalent of an entire school year with the program!

-SPA has given over 325 public performances to over 111,500 audience members!

-When adding up staff members per year, there have been 904 staff members of the SPA program.

-Of these 904 staff members, 456 were alumni of the SPA program.

SPA has won several awards for it's accomplishments, including:

Nelson-Miller Award, SPA/GCCC Volunteers (2006)
Grand Forks Public Schools ~ Top 100 U.S. Communities for Music Education (1999-2006)
Kennedy Center Partners in Education Team Member (1999-2006)
Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year (Melanie Popejoy) (2004)
Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year (Dean Opp) (2003)
North Dakota Governor’s Award for the Arts w/GFPS (2002)
Awarded a Partnership in a Local Mentoring Grant (2000)
North Dakota Governor’s Award for the Arts (1999)
Community Spirit Award -- Keep the Faith (1998)
Mayor’s Award for the Arts -- Keep the Faith (1997)

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