Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists (SPCPA)

Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists (SPCPA) We are an independent public high school that provides state standard-aligned college prep academics Students self-select on-level, advanced and AP courses.

MISSION:
The mission of SPCPA is to provide the highest caliber academic and artistic education for aspiring pre-professional artists to fully prepare them for college and conservatory. ARTS:
SPCPA provides comprehensive training in Theatre, Musical Theatre, Dance, Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Visual Art and Creative Writing. All arts classes are taught by current working professional artists

and focus on technique, practice, study and the creation of original work. Through master classes and J-Term students have the opportunity to engage with many artists and arts organizations in the Twin Cities and beyond. ACADEMICS:
Academic instructional environments encourage inquiry and intellectual curiosity, and empower students to raise questions and develop a patterns of lifelong learning. Students enjoy small class sizes, multiple AP options and innovative lessons taught by traditionally licensed teachers. Curriculum is active, collaborative and aligned with state standards.

SPCPA Alumni Spotlight: Nathan Barlow (’09)Tonight, we are proud to spotlight SPCPA alumnus Nathan Barlow (’09), who wil...
06/10/2026

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)

Minneapolis, get ready to celebrate the legacy of a legend at THAT PRINCE SPARK: ONLY IN MPLS, a completely free evening dedicated to art, film, and live music.

Part 1: The Gallery and Film Screening - FOREVER IN MY LIFE: A GATHERING FOR THE PURPLE COMMUNITY

5:30 PM: Gallery Reception
6:00 PM: Film Screenings and Panel Discussion

The People's Museum for Prince, a global community of art created by Prince fans, presents a grassroots short film program. The screening features the short film DEARLY BELOVED, fresh off its acclaimed Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival run, alongside a compelling slate of micro-documentaries and personal essays. FREE.

Part 2: The Concert - LIVE MUSIC FROM BARLOW

8:00 PM: The Capri stage will light up as Barlow delivers a masterful live set. Like Prince before him, this Black Minneapolitan multi-hyphenate commands the house with a gorgeous falsetto and an unfiltered blend of R&B, funk, and soul. Do not miss the chance to see him perform on the very stage where Prince made his solo debut. FREE.

Come together to honor the spark that started right here in Minneapolis!

Admission is free, so register now to secure your spot:
https://www.simpletix.com/e/that-prince-spark-only-in-minneapolis-tickets-275931

Finale.
06/01/2026

Finale.

Perks of attending a downtown high school #3: You can walk to field trips.Yesterday, SPCPA students in grades 9–11 wrap...
05/29/2026

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.

05/28/2026

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!

05/27/2026
We’re honored to share that a student band from SPCPA has been selected to perform at the June 6 Prince Celebration Bloc...
05/26/2026

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. 💜🎶

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 selected to play at the event. Music Instructor Matthew Vinge joined FOX 9 News to talk about what it me...

As seniors finished up their final work in English 12, students had several opportunities to support each other. First, ...
05/23/2026

As seniors finished up their final work in English 12, students had several opportunities to support each other. First, students shared their capstone projects in a gallery walk and gave shout-outs to each other. Then students wrote notes of gratitude to fellow students, faculty and staff. In AP Lit, kids wrote advice to next year's advanced students. ( #1 suggestion: read the books!)

We are so proud of our seniors and look forward to their commencement this Tuesday.

05/22/2026

A glimpse into last night’s Classical Chamber Concert at SPCPA.

The Theory of Everything
Composed by Johann Johannsson
Arranged by Leonidas Awana

Performed by:
Rio Mendiola
Sonya Suhka
Leonidas Awana
Ivy Spindler-Schwartz
Alex Holmes
Avior Muñoz
Ken Conrad

A brief 90-second moment from an evening of thoughtful, expressive music-making.

Address

16 5th Street W
Saint Paul, MN
55102

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 4pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 4pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 4pm
Thursday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 7:30am - 4pm

Telephone

+16512902225

Website

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