About

Come see what we're all about

Welcome to the Youth Performing Arts School (YPAS), the premier performing arts high school in Kentucky. At YPAS, we are dedicated to nurturing young talent and shaping them into the artists of tomorrow. Our vibrant community fosters creativity and imagination, which thrive in our classrooms, rehearsals, and performances. We believe in collaboration, with students working alongside faculty, parents, professional artists, and community members to develop their artistic skills, creating unique experiences not found in traditional school programs. Success at YPAS is built on commitment, discipline, and a rich appreciation for the creative spirit.

Education Beyond the Arts:

YPAS students receive a well-rounded education by taking academic classes at duPont Manual High School, renowned for its excellence. Our innovative eight-block schedule over two days offers 90-minute class blocks, allowing for diverse instructional methods and academic flexibility. This unique structure empowers students to enhance their arts education beyond their major.

Our Campus

Located adjacent to the University of Louisville in the duPont Manual educational complex, YPAS boasts state-of-the-art facilities. Our 886-seat formal theater, acoustically designed for young artists, hosts performances in a setting with newly renovated lighting and sound systems, an orchestra pit, band/orchestra shell, and a counterweight system. Our scene shop, costume shop, and production facilities rival those of professional theaters, while our rehearsal and classroom spaces are top-notch.

Dedicated Faculty:

 Our faculty, a blend of professional artists and educators, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the curriculum. They invest additional hours in the production process, offering invaluable training to YPAS students. Continuously staying updated on industry trends, our faculty enriches the YPAS experience.

Majors & specialization

Majors & Specialization

YPAS offers majors in Vocal Music, Instrumental Music (including Band, Orchestra, and Piano), Dance, Theatre, and Design and Production (Technical Theatre). Students can also choose to minor in Musical Theatre, broadening their horizons in the arts. Our intense training prepares students for success in top-tier college, university, or conservatory programs.

Career Opportunities

YPAS opens doors to future careers in the arts through Career Day, where representatives from 65 to 100 colleges, universities, and conservatories audition our seniors and offer special scholarships. Our co-curricular performance program provides hands-on experience through after-school performances, touring companies, and over 50 showcased productions each season.

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Scholarship Success

YPAS graduates have collectively earned millions in scholarships and grants. Our commitment to individualized schedules ensures students are prepared for the most rigorous colleges and conservatories, regardless of their chosen fields of study.

Corporate Sponsorship & Professional Partnerships

We encourage students to explore corporate opportunities through internships and part-time employment. YPAS has established partnerships with local organizations and businesses, providing valuable real-world experience to our students.

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Community Engagement

YPAS actively engages with the community through touring companies, performances at various events, and involvement in professional venues, film, radio, and television. We are proud to share our talents and contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of Louisville.

Parent Support

YPAS parents play a pivotal role in our students' success through The Producers, our parent support organization. They offer financial and moral support, scholarships for outstanding seniors, and active involvement in the school's vision and academic tutoring programs.

Join us at YPAS, where creativity knows no bounds, and the future of the arts comes to life.

 

Contact Us

1517 South 2nd Street, Louisville, KY 40208

(502) 485-8355