Vancouver Performing Stars is a performing arts training program for children ages 1-17 that offers a variety of music, theatre and movement classes around Vancouver with a home studio at 24th & Fraser. From ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary and hip hop to voice lessons and musical theatre, we strive to offer community programs that are continually growing with our students. By learning technique and confidence through song and play, children can hone their skills as performers while developing a love for the arts.
“When I started VPS, there was a need in Vancouver for quality and accessible performing arts programs. Affordable, inclusive and community based, we provide children with the training not only to perform onstage but the skills and work ethic that it takes to be successful in life. I intensively trained in singing, dancing and acting and have performed professionally at various theatres in Canada including the Stratford Festival but I loved teaching and always dreamed of owning a performing arts school one day. I was hired by a community centre to teach 2 toddler classes a week in 2011. My dad had just passed away and I was in a dark place. I needed something I love to focus on and building VPS became my passion project. Within a year, we were in 10 different community centres and it was clear we needed a space of our own. Now almost 10 years later, there are over 1500 children in 100 programs a week at 12 locations around Vancouver including our home studio in Fraserhood.
I have placed community at the core of this company since day one and our students will be the first to tell you that. They feel a sense of family and belonging at VPS. We are giving kids the tools to succeed and how to believe in themselves, so they will ultimately become confident, creative and positive members of our society who understand that if you dream big and work really crazy hard, that anything is possible. When I talk to parents about why they choose VPS, the answer is always the same: it’s a welcoming community. We provide a place where like- minded children feel supported by their peers and their VPS Family to pursue their dreams. I never imagined this business would become as big as it has, but it is the community that has developed, that drives me to expand and give them a forever home where everyone can come together on stage. These past few years have really proven how strong our community is and I am so grateful for the loyalty and love that our VPS Family has shown.”
DREAM BIG, WORK HARD & ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE
— Katy Schroeder, Director & Founder of Vancouver Performing Stars