At Parker Performing Arts School students receive daily exposure to our many arts pathways including dance, theatre, musical theatre, instrumental and vocal music, and visual arts in their classrooms. But we are more than just classwork! Students experience the arts in many more ways at PPA.
Exploring Arts in the Classroom
Each classroom works to develop a student’s understanding of each art pathway by creating daily exposure and training to their subject. Students learn the basics to advanced level techniques, subject history, and theory in each class. Our orchestra students spend their day not only learning how to play their instrument, but also studying music from different time periods and composers. The art classes not only learn how to draw and paint, but also how to critically respond to works of art from other artists. Our dance classes teach proper technique and also cover the history and the cultural impact of dance. At PPA, art isn’t just participation, it’s understanding.
Exploring Arts Outside the Classroom
Beyond the classroom, PPA values experiencing professional level performances and lessons for all of our growing artists. Every year we work to bring in artists and organizations that will provide unique experiences to PPA students. Participating and viewing high quality performances allows students the opportunity to critically respond and engage with state educational standards. Students will receive a unique opportunity each quarter to further their arts education and understanding through these experiences.
Some of the Artist Appearances Series are tailored to elementary or middle school students, like our most recent elementary school visitor, Richi Castro. Castro used the art of storytelling and music to teach our students about the story of Kokopelli and the importance of music. PPA often brings in artists with a variety of cultural and representational backgrounds to broaden the intellectual scope of each student.
Our middle school students will be engaging with a production of Romeo and Juliet as performed by Shakespeare in the Parking Lot; a group of performers working at the Denver Center for Performing Arts. This performance is held on our black top, featuring a mobile set and a unique way of performing Shakespeare. Following the performance students are encouraged to ask questions and participate in discussion to further their understanding and experience.
Other Artist Appearances in our yearly series are shared with both elementary and middle school students, such as our upcoming visit from the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Company featuring their History of Dance performance. This visit will take place in January of 2026 and will involve students of all grade levels.
These experiences show our students the importance of art in our society. They also show the different ways the skills students are learning now can be used in the future. Parker Performing Arts School strives to provide a well rounded and experiential arts education for all of our students through classwork and community engagement. More information about our Artist Appearance Series for this school year can be found on our website.
About Parker Performing Arts School
Parker Performing Arts School (PPA) is a public, tuition free performing arts school serving elementary and middle school students, chartered by the Douglas County School District. We deliver the art of education combining a rigorous academic curriculum and daily training in performing and visual arts We accept all K-8 students interested in pursuing their artistic passion. Enroll now.