SLSPA gets treatment

And nice treatment, in today's Trib.

These students are actors, musicians, singers and dancers at the Salt Lake School for the Performing Arts. The fledgling school, along with Tuacahn High School for the Performing Arts, is one of two performance-based high schools in a state where enrollment in private dance or music lessons seems as common as Little League registration.

The school opened four years ago as the brainchild of David and Shalee Schmidt. They ran their own vocal studio in Murray and had toyed with the idea of opening a performing-arts school.

Salt Lake School District was also looking into the possibility and chose to partner with Highland High, which had a noted arts program. That partnership allows students to take their academic courses at Highland, and music, dance or theater at SPA.

This year, enrollment stands at some 150 students, and 28 seniors will graduate, 20 more than in the school's first class in 2007. Officials predict enrollment might hit 200 next year. Recent recruitment efforts have translated to two to three calls a day from interested parents.

Salt Lake School for the Performing Arts presents Brian Friel's "Dancing at Lughnasa."

When » The play opened Thursday and continues at 7 p.m. March 26-27 and 29, with a 2 p.m. matinee March 27.

Where » Clayton Middle School, 1470 S. 1900 East, Salt Lake City.

Tickets » $5 for students, $7 for adults, at the door.

Learn more » For more information about the fledgling charter school, call 801-466-6700 or visit www.saltlakespa.org.