PAA Celebrates 20 Years!
There are 525,600 minutes in a year, according to the popular Broadway musical hit “Seasons of Love” from RENT.
This theatrical number brilliantly sheds light on how to quantify a year along with a lifetime. Not “in daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, or in cups of coffee,” but in love.
In 2026, PAA celebrates 10,512,000 minutes (or 20 years) of building confidence, creating community, and inspiring excellence through the power of the performing arts.
Not by solely focusing on flawless performances, developing Broadway-bound actors, or catering to high-level talent, but by focusing on each student’s individual journey.
For two decades, PAA has encouraged kids and teens to fail forward, take creative risks, and discover their full potential.
Beginnings
Dr. James Ramsey, PAA Founder and Executive Director, shares what inspired him to start Performing Arts Academy.
“It began with the idea of providing a creative outlet that inspired kids to be the best versions of themselves while building life skills and boosting their confidence…all through the performing arts.”
PAA launched in 2006 with a drama and music workshop at St. Luke’s UMC, which culminated in a final “homemade” performance featuring 26 students who built their own props and sang songs from around the world. The students (ranging from grades 1-9) were led by 4 directors and a mission that has transformed nearly 15,000 students throughout the last 20 years.
Dr. Jim (as most students call him) and his team developed a theatre program that offers students more than the opportunity to perform on stage.
PAA creates a safe space for students to take creative risks and ultimately gain confidence. Through camps, classes, and shows, students learn the importance of teamwork, discover their strengths, and form lasting friendships along the way.
Through the years
What began as one workshop for a variety of ages in 2006 has evolved into 30+ productions, 50+ camps, and 60+ classes offered year-round and geared toward specific age groups and levels of interest.
Although our programming has changed during the past two decades, our mission has not.
Musical theatre at PAA continues to serve as a pathway to self-discovery through creative expression.
This mission includes EVERY student. Providing performing arts opportunities to all students became a reality when PAA became a 501(c)3 nonprofit on Dec 14, 2011.
While students are having fun and making friends…
“I love this place. I will beg my mom to do another one!!!!” – PAA Student
“The people were so kind and friendly, and I found lifelong friends through this show.” – PAA Student
They’re also learning life skills and discovering their full potential…
“PAA has helped me so much. I’ve grown more than I ever thought I would.” – PAA Student
“PAA made me less shy. Thank you.” -PAA Student
“I can achieve great things when I try new things.” – PAA Student
From learning skills, such as public speaking, creative thinking, and collaboration, to feeling included, being accepted, and finding their people, students continue to shine brighter beyond the stage.
“Students usually just feel like they’re having fun putting on a show, but there is always so much more to the journey than that,” shares Dr. Jim.
Dr. Jim and his staff have witnessed incredible student transformations over the past 20 years.
Nicole – Nicole discovered a sense of belonging during the production of Tarzan. As an adoptee, she never felt she belonged anywhere. The supportive, safe environment Nicole found at PAA during Tarzan transformed Nicole forever. PAA became a second home and a launching pad, encouraging her to do even more. She’s currently studying theatre at Carnegie Mellon. Watch Nicole’s Story.
Marie – Marie participated in PAA’s first outreach program. She came from Sudan with her mother and struggled in school. The principal at her school shared that Marie constantly acted out and was disrespectful. Through Marie’s experience in the PAA Outreach Program, she felt accepted and found a sense of belonging that she lacked at school. Marie’s experience at PAA transformed her. The following school year, her principal shared that “Marie had completely turned around, became a leader and was a different person.”
Andrea – Through PAA’s Outreach Program, Andrea discovered her passion for theatre. The outreach program provided Andrea access to an activity that seemed unattainable. She’s currently a senior at Metro State, studying theater and journalism.
A Chat with Dr. Jim
Dr. Jim answered questions reflecting on PAA’s past, present, and future. Take a peek behind the “PAA curtain” with us.
Q: Were there any moments when you thought, “This is why we do what we do”?
A: Nearly every week. I see kids being inclusive, treating each other kindly, and being respectful to one another. I witness students creating a supportive community and working hard in rehearsals. The best part is seeing the joy in their faces after a performance.
Q: What traditions from those early years still exist today?
A: Word of the Week (Read more about Word of the Week).
Q: How has the organization adapted to meet the needs of today’s young people?
A: PAA constantly adapts to fit the needs of the community. We currently offer 9 different models of productions to fit each family’s needs, along with a wide variety of classes and camps that encompass more than just singing and dancing. View PAA Programming
Q: What challenges have shaped the organization into what it is today?
A: We’ve weathered many challenges. The most significant was going through COVID and continuing to serve as a connection point for students who had every social and connectional moment taken away by restrictions. We worked as a team to create safe, alternate ways to keep going during the pandemic, and it worked.
Q: What do you hope every student takes with them after leaving the program?
A: Something more than what they came with.
Q: What dreams do you still have for the organization?
A: To build a campus (stay tuned for more on PAA’s upcoming expansion).
Q: What would you like the organization to be known for 20 years from now?
A: An organization that shaped the landscape of our culture by encouraging students to make a positive impact.
Q: If you could tell every parent one thing about the value of theatre education, what would it be?
A: Belonging to a community that inspires students and connects kids creatively can change lives and sometimes even save lives.
Q: When a student takes their final bow and leaves the program, what do you hope they’ve gained?
A: Confidence in themselves to make the creative difference they seek in the world.
Q: What message would you like to share with everyone who has been part of the organization’s story?
A: PAA’s story and mission would not have been possible without them. I’m humbled to have served alongside an incredible staff team and supportive board members these last 20 years. I’m also extremely grateful for the generosity and support of so many individuals and businesses who believe in what PAA stands for and what PAA does for kids in our community. Together we are changing lives and changing the world, and I’m so grateful to each of you!
Happy 20th Anniversary, PAA! Here’s to many more years of making a difference in each student’s life through singing, acting, dancing, and creating!
