Stapleton School of the Performing Arts

For families and individuals across the California Bay Area, particularly within the charming community of San Anselmo, the Stapleton School of the Performing Arts stands as a beacon of artistic excellence and community engagement. As Marin's largest non-profit performing arts organization, Stapleton has dedicated itself to providing high-quality training in both dance and musical theatre within an inclusive and nurturing environment. It's a place where passion for the arts is ignited and cultivated, fostering not just technical skill but also confidence, self-expression, and a profound appreciation for creative endeavors.

Since its founding in 1989, Stapleton has grown into a comprehensive institution, renowned for its diverse programs catering to all ages, from the youngest aspiring dancers to seasoned adults. The school prides itself on a philosophy that extends beyond the stage, focusing on the holistic development of its students. As one parent enthusiastically attests after seven years, the teachers are "wonderful with both little ones and older girls as they become very athletic dancers," and crucially, they are "focused on wellness and positive body image as well, which is very important to me." This commitment to student well-being, combined with consistently high-quality instruction and a positive community impact, makes Stapleton School of the Performing Arts a beloved and highly recommended institution for anyone in California seeking a vibrant and enriching artistic home. The frequent, high-caliber performances and dance recitals further showcase the talent nurtured within its walls, delighting audiences and enriching the cultural landscape of Marin County.

Stapleton School of the Performing Arts is conveniently located at 70 Greenfield Ave, San Anselmo, CA 94960, USA. This address places the school in a central and easily accessible part of San Anselmo, a picturesque town nestled in Marin County. Its location offers straightforward access for families and individuals coming from various parts of San Anselmo, Ross, Fairfax, San Rafael, and other surrounding communities within the North Bay area of California.

In January 2018, Stapleton opened its beautiful new 9,000 square foot facility at this address, featuring five spacious rehearsal studios and school offices. This purpose-built space is designed to enhance the learning experience, providing ample room for diverse classes and rehearsals. For those traveling by car, the convenient location typically offers accessible parking options, making drop-off and pick-up seamless for parents and adult students. The surrounding area of San Anselmo is known for its friendly, community-oriented atmosphere, which complements the welcoming environment found within the school. This strategic and well-appointed location reinforces Stapleton School of the Performing Arts as a central and vital hub for arts education in Marin County, easily reachable for the many eager students and community members who benefit from its programs.

Stapleton School of the Performing Arts offers a comprehensive and diverse array of programs and classes designed to nurture artistic talent across various disciplines and for all age groups.

• Ballet Training Program: This is a core strength of the school, offering a structured curriculum from pre-ballet for the youngest students (e.g., ages 3.5-6, based on summer camp offerings) through advanced levels. They incorporate methods such as the Cecchetti - Italian School of Ballet syllabus, which provides attainable goals and opportunities for examinations. Classes include Pointe Requirements, Partnering, and classical variations.

• Jazz Dance: Classes covering various jazz styles, emphasizing individual interpretation, intricate footwork, leaps, and turns.

• Lyrical/Contemporary Dance: Blending elements of ballet, jazz, and modern dance, these classes focus on emotional expression, storytelling through movement, and improvisation.

• Hip Hop Dance: High-energy classes exploring street dance styles, emphasizing rhythm, creativity, and self-expression.

• Tap Dance: Instruction ranging from introductory levels to advanced, focusing on rhythmic precision and sound creation.

• Acro Dance / Acrojazz: Classes that develop flexibility, balance, strength, and acrobatic skills integrated with dance.

• Musical Theatre: Programs that combine singing, dancing, and acting, often culminating in full-scale productions, developing "triple threat" performers.

• Acting and Improvisation: Curriculum designed to enhance performance skills, audition preparation, and knowledge of theatre history.

• Vocal Performance: Training focused on singing techniques for various performing arts contexts.

• Adult Classes: Offerings for adults include Ballet (all levels), Contemporary (all levels), and West African dance classes (often with live drumming), providing flexible options for adult learners.

• Summer Camps & Intensives: A variety of intensive programs during the summer, such as Fantasy Ballet Camp for young children, Junior Dance Camp (mixed genres), Mini Intensives (ballet technique, pre-pointe/pointe), Pre-Intensive Training, and the Classic Intensive featuring guest artists and multidisciplinary approaches.

• Technical Production: Classes focused on the skills needed for running productions, inspired by instructors' experience with international tours and competitions.

Stapleton School of the Performing Arts stands out in the California performing arts landscape due to several key features and highlights that contribute to its exceptional reputation and community impact:

• Holistic Development and Wellness Focus: A crucial highlight is the school's strong emphasis on "wellness and positive body image," which is "very important" to families. They have integrated a new Wellness Program addressing the mental, physical, and social-emotional needs of students, offering workshops with wellness professionals and a database of trusted local resources. This commitment goes beyond just dance technique, nurturing the whole student.

• Exceptional Faculty and Mentorship: The teachers are consistently praised as "wonderful" and capable of transforming students into "very athletic dancers." The leadership includes Wilhelmina Frankfurt, former New York City Ballet dancer, as Executive Artistic Director, and Brynn Vogel, with a background in contemporary ballet, as Director of Upper and Advanced Division. This caliber of instruction provides unparalleled guidance and mentorship.

• Inclusive and Supportive Culture: Stapleton prides itself on offering an "inclusive environment" where students of all ages and levels feel welcome. The positive impact on the community is evident, fostering self-esteem and providing skills and techniques for success both on and off stage.

• Diverse and Comprehensive Curriculum: With a wide array of dance styles (ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, contemporary, acro), as well as robust musical theatre, acting, and vocal performance programs, students have ample opportunity to explore various artistic avenues and develop into well-rounded performers ("triple threats").

• Professional Performance Opportunities: Stapleton offers numerous chances for students to perform, including annual productions like "The Nutcracker" at prestigious venues (e.g., Palace of Fine Arts Theatre in San Francisco), Spring Dance Concerts, and theatrical productions (e.g., "Charlie & The Chocolate Factory," "Elf Jr The Musical"). These experiences are vital for stage presence and confidence.

• State-of-the-Art Facility: The 9,000 square foot facility with five spacious rehearsal studios, opened in 2018, provides an optimal and inspiring environment for learning and practice.

• Community Impact and Longevity: As Marin's largest non-profit performing arts organization, Stapleton has a significant and positive impact on the local community, fostering arts appreciation and providing a constructive outlet for youth and adults for over three decades.

For those in California looking to engage with the performing arts at Stapleton School of the Performing Arts, whether as a student or an audience member, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 70 Greenfield Ave, San Anselmo, CA 94960, USA

Phone: (415) 454-5759

Mobile Phone: +1 415-454-5759

For the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on class schedules, registration details, tuition fees, performance dates, and special workshops or intensives, it is highly recommended to visit their official website (stapletonschool.org). Their website serves as a rich resource, detailing their curriculum, faculty, and performance calendar. You can also reach out directly via phone during their operating hours for personalized assistance and to speak with a member of their dedicated staff.

For residents across California, particularly within Marin County, the Stapleton School of the Performing Arts stands as an exemplary local institution. Its commitment to providing inclusive, high-quality instruction in both dance and musical theatre, coupled with a vital focus on student wellness and positive body image, makes it an ideal choice for families and individuals. Locals seeking a supportive and professional environment where artistic talent can flourish will find Stapleton to be an unparalleled resource.

The school's extensive curriculum, from classical ballet and diverse dance forms to comprehensive musical theatre and drama programs, ensures that students of all ages and aspirations can find their creative niche. Furthermore, the numerous performance opportunities, from annual productions of "The Nutcracker" to theatrical shows, offer invaluable stage experience and contribute significantly to the cultural vibrancy of San Anselmo and the wider Bay Area. Choosing Stapleton means investing in a local organization that not only nurtures artistic skill but also builds confidence, discipline, and a strong sense of community, making it a beloved and essential part of the California performing arts landscape.

Stapleton School of the Performing Arts

70 Greenfield Ave, San Anselmo, CA 94960, USA