Metropolitan Performing Arts
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America has endured much civil unrest in recent years, and an increase in hate crimes. At MPA, we value diversity and nurture individuality, upholding our promise to be an all-inclusive organization. We are committed to doing our part to listen to your needs and to be the face of change in our community. We work toward changing negative self-imagery by providing a safe, creative environment, free of judgment, in which our students flourish and grow in positive ways. We believe that all children should see themselves on our stage and celebrate the uniqueness and diversity of all. 

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Our Mission
To enrich our community by nurturing a lifelong passion and appreciation for live arts through education and performance opportunities.
We do this through; involving, cultivating, nurturing and enhancing. 

Our Vision
To be a home where everyone is seen, heard, and valued through theater and live arts. 

Our Core Values
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: Metropolitan Performing Arts is, and has always been, here to serve our community. We believe in the transformational power of theater and arts to inspire social change. We embrace equity, diversity and inclusion in our organization and value everyone’s life experiences. We celebrate unique perspectives and contributions in hope that all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual identity, culture, age, gender expression, background, ability, economic status, education, credentials, and experience are engaged in our programming.

We value creating a space where all people feel complete, heard, respected, understood, valued, and connected. We strive to create an environment that feels like home to our students, volunteers, artists, and our audience. Creating a genuinely inclusive environment where diverse voices are present and active in all aspects of our organization, we believe, enhances our effectiveness, and makes all our lives richer, stronger, and more innovative. We strive to be an organization that values and celebrates everyone’s life experiences, their voices, and their histories.
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Prejudice and privilege have created barriers that we must dismantle, systematically and strategically, until everyone in our community has equitable access to arts and culture. We continue to be a diverse group of artists and volunteers united by a passionate belief in the value of the performing arts. 

Excellence: We are proud to provide our personal and professional best, putting forth an exceptional educational and performance experience.
 
Nurturing Environment: Educating, Empowering, and inspiring artists of all abilities to develop their finest work in an atmosphere of mutual respect.  

Our History
In 2009, local educators noticed a lack of education of the performing arts within the Vancouver School District. With the help of Nancy and Rob Duncan, Metropolitan Performing Arts was established as a 501(c)(3) in the fall of 2009. What started as a traveling group that performed at places such as Zoo Lights, Jantzen Beach Mall and community Nursing Homes has now transformed into a black box theater performance venue, community theater and academy with year round training and performance opportunities. MPA staged it's first musical "Bye Bye Birdie" in April 2010 at Fort Vancouver High School. Since then, MPA has produced over 50 productions within the greater Vancouver/Portland area including The Brunish Theater, WA State School for the Blind, VSAA, Triangle! Productions and Camas High school. In 2016, Barbara Richardson was hired on as Executive Director. In 2019 MPA moved from the Schell studio to Mill Plain Blvd. In 2022 Barbara stepped down as Executive Director and Kristin Heller was hired as the Artistic and Education Director, along with two part time employees. 
Past Productions
NEWS RELEASE | 2016 | MPA New Leadership

What People are Saying About MPA

"Just went to see Heathers the Musical last night and it was amazing! The cast is outstanding and Veronica played by local high school senior, Kennidy is phenomenal! The performance gave me goosebumps from the incredible vocals to the fantastic choreography. Metropolitan Performing Arts is definitely a hidden gem and I would love to go back for future performances" - Katya Ochoa

"Went with my daughter to see Heathers. I wasn’t expecting much from such a small town theater , but I was very wrong. Wonderful performances by all involved. Will definitely be on the look out for the next performance!!!" -Katie Novosselov

"I am so impressed with Metropolitan Performing Arts! We have had such a great experience in working with them each year. Barbara Richardson has been so helpful in making sure that our daughter was getting the best of care. I also really appreciate the high quality level of costumes and props and imagination that are put into the Harry Potter LARP camps and also the performances we've seen during the years. The acting examples of the teachers and of the older students speaks well of the quality of teaching that my daughter is getting. I feel very fortunate that we have found this academy. And best of all our daughter just loves coming! We wouldn't miss it! In a day and age when money is tight, we feel it is money well spent." - Emily Ihasz

"Metropolitan Performing Arts is a wonderful performing arts school for children. The instructors are knowledgeable, encouraging, and kind. Their classes, events, and camps engage young people." - Kristin Nordberg

​"My daughter has been taking classes and performing with Metro for about a year and nothing makes her happier than being a part of this group. She has gained confidence and skills and has enjoyed every minute. She feels welcome and supported and encouraged by the warm and caring and talented staff. Metro is her "happy place." -Alia Woolfe Walsh

"My son has been with MPA since he was in 3rd grade. He came to me one day and said, "Mom, I want to be on stage." It is so amazing that there is a place like Metropolitan Performing Arts in our community to provide access to the arts for kids of all ages. Not just access, but QUALITY, authentic theater training, and classes. You've brought the passion out for my son. Thank you!​" - Gail Moore
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"Great program for kids. My daughters have learned so much about being in a show. From auditioning to take down a set and everything in between. Great teachers and great environment!" -Cristina Kennington

"My kids have been taking lessons and performing with this group for years. While always mostly happy with things in the past, after recent changes to staff and programming, we are super happy. Amazing tap and jazz teachers and some really fun acting teachers. My kids have learned so much at MPA."-Kristie Gebhard

"
We found Metropolitan Performing Arts by chance when I was looking for summer activities for my daughter. She loved it and now two years later being a part of the Metro Family has been such an amazing experience for us all. She has learned so much about singing, acting & dance. The productions are phenomenal, the instructors are passionate & make classes so fun for the kids. The friendships she has made and the confidence she has gained from taking part in shows & classes in these two years are priceless. Highly recommend for anyone with kids looking to find their niche in the performing arts!" - Joanna Connelly

"Life changing experience for my daughter! There has been a dramatic improvement in her grades at school and her drive to succeed in other areas of life since joining."- Melissa Galland

Location

Contact Us

(360)-975-1585

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  • Home
  • About
    • Contact | Directions >
      • Dining
      • Theatre Etiquette
    • Mission | Vision | Values
    • Staff | Board
    • Free Theater in the Park
    • Venue Rental
    • Costume | Prop Rentals
    • Join Our Team
  • Calendar
  • Classes
    • Weekly Classes
    • Camps | Workshops
    • Private Lessons
    • Instructors
    • Financial Assistance
    • Transfer / Drop Form
  • Shows
    • Season 13 >
      • The Addams Family Younger@Part
      • Holiday Out
      • The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical
      • Frozen KIDS
      • High School Musical On Stage!
      • BARE: A Pop Opera
    • Audition
    • Past Productions
  • Support Us
    • Donate | Sponsor
    • Support While You Shop
    • Our Sponsors
    • Scholarship Fund
    • Volunteer