playbill vip

Welcome and salutations. The Contra Costa School of Performing Arts (“SPA”) represents the only public school in our area whose mission combines college and career preparatory academics with conservatory arts training. The happy marriage of these two ambitious goals is at the heart of what we believe as educators: the world is not broken up into convenient and independent subject matters, but rather we problem solve and create by using English, math, theatre, science, dance, and more in complex and integrated ways.

It follows then that school should train our minds to think in similar fashion. SPA leverages an integrated, project-based, and personalized approach to learning to this end. Our classrooms go well beyond the traditional step of helping students consume and recall to challenging students to take the information and facts they have learned and do something with them, often in real-world and relevant scenarios, to build deeper understanding.

While this process of education is at the core of who we are, we must also celebrate the product of that effort. The performance for which you are in attendance can be seen as a snapshot into the SPA student experience; it represents engagement, dedication, perseverance, passion and above all – learning.

I could not be prouder of our students and I am excited for you to see what they have to offer. I also would be remiss if I did not recognize the amazing talent and dedication of the SPA Arts Team. Our Directors provide an unparalleled arts education for our students. We are truly fortunate to have them.

Thank you all for your patronage and your support. Enjoy the show.

Sincerely,

Neil McChesney
Executive Director