Visual & Performing Arts

Contact Information

Kim Sparkman
Principal of Innovative Programs
kim.sparkman@questar.org
518-629-7628

James Niedermeier
Associate Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Accountability
james.niedermeier@questar.org
518-477-8771


This unique program provides opportunities to explore a wide array of careers in the visual and performing arts. Based at The Arts Center of the Capital Region in historic downtown Troy, the program blends an integrated curriculum in college-level English, music, art, theatre and film studies with hands-on experience in a creative academic environment. Students participate in both workshops and classroom instruction, and students can earn 15 college credits through Russell Sage College and Hudson Valley Community College. Furthermore, they gain valuable insight into career options by working directly with local visual and performing artists such as jewelry designers, photographers, dancers and actors and through visiting art galleries and attending live theater productions. View the program flyer.

Students conceptualize and compose professional-quality work in a variety of media—from recording a CD to writing, directing and filming a movie using state-of-the-art editing equipment. In the spring, students showcase their artwork in the Student/Faculty Gallery at The Arts Center and write and perform a live theatre production. Additionally, the New Visions: Visual & Performing Arts program gives students the opportunity to develop a portfolio and/or prepare the audition materials needed to apply to a college arts program.

Graduates of the New Visions: Visual & Performing Arts Program have been accepted to many competitive arts colleges, including NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Pratt Institute of Design, Emerson College, American Musical and Dramatic Academy, Syracuse University, Ithaca College, Rhode Island School of Design, SUNY Purchase, Eugene Lang College and Parsons School for Design.

College Credits:

  • Using the Arts to Examine Literature (ENG 148) — 3 credits (through Russell Sage College)
  • Topic: Visual & Performing Arts: Concept to Completion (AFA 148) — 3 credits (through Russell Sage College)
  • Arts Elective — 3 credits (through Russell Sage College)
  • Acting I (THR 110) — 3 credits (through Hudson Valley Community College)
  • Acting II (THR 111) — 3 credits (through Hudson Valley Community College)
Student Work:

Sylvan Esso Dance Film

“Peg fostered an atmosphere of fun, enthusiasm, tolerance, acceptance, encouragement, and family, while at the same time giving the students the resources they need to be successful artists and/or in college.  Having had her own experiences, she could tell the hard truth about the difficulties in the industry, but also the benefits.  My son has grown immensely – socially, emotionally, and intellectually this year thanks to his New Visions experience.”

Mrs. Galvin-Riley, Hoosic Valley Parent

“From early on in the program, we saw a big increase in our daughter’s confidence.  She learned so much, not only from Peg, but also from the other students in the class.  They collaborated on many projects and quickly learned how to best utilize each and every person’s strongest talents. We feel confident that this program has fully prepared her for the next step; an acting conservatory.”

Mr. & Mrs. Cahill, Catskill Parents

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