Help Support Theatre That Brings Us Closer
2026 marks the 40th Anniversary Season of Stages St. Louis, and the 22nd year of The Stages Performing Arts Academy (SPAA)! Created in response to schools reducing or eliminating arts funding and curricula, the SPAA has become a leader in addressing the arts gap in the St. Louis community and is an integral part of the mission at Stages:
Creating unforgettable theatre through one-of-a-kind productions, inclusive stories, and education.
At the SPAA students of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to take part in year-round programming whether onsite at The Kent Center For Theatre Arts in Chesterfield or at one of more than 30 community outreach locations. The SPAA offers classes, summer camps, productions, performance groups, master classes, and outreach programs that consistently strive to create true community impact. Take a look at what was accomplished in 2025:
6,000+ students & audience members
2,100 students enrolled
25,000+ total instructional hours
250+ individual programs
30 community outreach partners
35 local teaching artists employed
15 full-scale student productions
20 free or low-cost programs
$15,000+ in financial assistance/scholarships
From The Classroom To The Mainstage
As the only not-for-profit professional theatre in the region to offer a year-round arts curriculum, Stages takes great pride in shining a spotlight on our students and providing opportunities that are unique to our organization. This year, Stages is thrilled to welcome four SPAA students to the acting company of Come From Away, the grand finale of the 2026 Season!
As members of the Come From Away acting company students will work alongside theatre professionals from around the country, attend daily rehearsals, perform in all 37 performances, and learn key skills along the way including collaboration, creative problem-solving, confidence, communication, and artistic discipline.
What does your donation do?
Your Give STL Day support will fund this uniquely Stages opportunity and assist in underwriting the following essentials:
Stages is very proud to feature our up-and-coming student stars in our 40th Anniversary Season, and we invite you to join us in supporting their artistic journeys.
Your donation to the Stages of today is an investment in the Stages of tomorrow - and in theatre that brings our community closer!
