Stony's Sector Spotlight: Karar Performing Arts

A Unique Place in the Market

KPA has stayed true to the organization’s vision and have flourished into a one of a kind performing arts studio. They have fostered a production development process which prioritizes innovation and each year’s productions are better than last.

“We encourage our students and production team to explore new technologies, artistic techniques, and storytelling methods, which allows us to consistently deliver fresh, impactful productions that captivate our audiences,” said Natalie.

Many of KPA’s staff are current students, gaining hands-on experience while applying their classroom learning in the studio. This opportunity not only enhances their skills but also supports future career pathways as they transition into post-graduate opportunities. Natalie shared, “Many former staff members maintain strong connections with the studio, often reflecting fondly on their experiences and the positive impact it had on their lives.”

Furthermore, KPA places a high level of value on community involvement in their productions. To create performances that reflect and resonate with their audience, they consult local groups to obtain feedback and learn more about their culture. “We’ve developed partnerships with cultural groups and organizations which has enriched our productions and allowed us to offer performances that authentically resonate with our audiences,” added Natalie.

Plans for the Future

KPA is expanding their building footprint and services to include pre-vocational skill-building programs, a school of music, and rentable event spaces for public use.

The skill-building program will connect students to audio, visual, lighting, script writing, and set and costume design, giving them real world experience and skills to prepare them for careers in the arts.

The organization has observed growing demand for music education, including instruction in instruments and voice. As a result, there are plans to create the KPA School of Music. This program will be used to provide accessible, high-quality music education to students of all ages.

Furthermore, KPA would like to expand to become a hub of connections that fosters creativity, connection and collaboration through many avenues. This includes offering community classes for all ages and providing rental spaces in their studio when classes are not running in the summer months.  

Growing the Arts One Year at a Time

Over the last two years, KPA as seen new records set for the number of students. During the 2023-2024 season, their enrollment hit 351 students. Additionally, they saw 400 registrants to begin the 2024-2025 season. Students come from St. Albert, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Leduc, and Fort Saskatchewan showing that KPA has a reach expanding outside of the community into the greater Edmonton Metropolitan Region.

While KPA has achieved tremendous success, there is also an exciting opportunity for the community and private sector to support its continued growth. Natalie explained that “productions have grown in scale, technical complexity, and creative vision, and the need for a dedicated, professional local theatre space has become increasingly crucial”. Audience members from outside the Edmonton Region have taken in their performances with folks from Saskatchewan coming in person and from Holland via video link. 

Currently, KPA relies on the DOW Centennial Theatre in Fort Saskatchewan for recitals and productions, which comes with significant costs and logistical challenges such as travel time and transportation expenses. By investing in a dedicated theatre space, businesses, community members, and private partners can play a key role in strengthening the local arts scene, reducing operating costs, and creating a vibrant cultural hub that benefits the entire community. A dedicated theatre space in the community would allow KPA to both save overall operating costs while also fostering a greater connection to the community.

Singing Praises

The atmosphere that KPA fosters is truly lifechanging for some individuals. An anonymous parent explained that their son was witty and hilarious when at home but struggled to come out of his shell in public. Through participating in KPA, they are overjoyed to share that “In 2018, we found what he was looking for at KPA. Our little introverted comedian let his true self shine and hasn’t looked back since.” This shows the profound impact that the studio can have on the life of the individuals it supports.

The benefits extend beyond the youth. As parents watch their children flourish and form lifelong bonds, many have felt inspired to become more than just spectators.  One parent shared, “I myself have even joined the studio through Adult Hip Hop and am having the time of my life. I recommend KaRAR to anyone looking for not just a dance studio, but a community for their kids to thrive in.”