Paramount School Of The Arts Offers Accessible Arts Education For All

This Patch article is sponsored by Paramount School of the Arts/Paramount Theater

Local businesses are the heart of our communities. Patch had a chance to talk with Jessica M Duplessis, Director of Education and Community Engagement at Paramount School of the Arts/Paramount Theater.

Patch: Tell us a bit about your business or organization:
Jessica M Duplessis: Paramount School of the Arts is a home for artists of all ages who want to explore every aspect of the performing arts. Work with industry experts from Paramount Theatre and the greater Chicagoland area to receive high quality training in our state-of-the-art facility right here in the Western Suburbs. All are welcome to amplify their creative voices and become part of the Paramount Legacy.

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town, or how long has your organization been around in the community?
Duplessis: Paramount School of the Arts opened its doors in June of 2019 for artists of all ages to find their artistic home. We currently have over 30 in person class options for students ages 3 through adult to choose from. PSA is proud of the opportunity we had to continue to provide arts education to over 600 students of all ages virtually throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic; hosting virtual workshops with Broadway Guest artists, virtual voice concerts and our specialty Work in Progress Showings (WIPS). PSA is the official arts school of Paramount Theater. The Theater has been a staple part of the Aurora Downtown community, and has amplified its artistic footprint over the last 11 years with their incredible Broadway Series, and most recently their inaugural season of the Bold Series.

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?
Duplessis: The administrative team at PSA each had passions in the arts at a young age. We all dreamed of a school that would provide a place where artists of all mediums could learn and create together under one roof. We often share that PSA is the artistic home we all wish we had when we were younger. Though each of us began our careers in different manners, we are grateful that PSA has brought us all together to inspire the next generation of creatives.

Patch: If you had to sum up your business mission to a stranger in five words, what would those words be?
Duplessis: Accessible arts education for all.

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced in your job?
Duplessis: One of the biggest challenges we face, aside from the Covid-19 pandemic, is showing our community that PSA is a place for them. Regardless of experience, PSA is a brave space of innovative creation for everyone. Our name as a performing arts school could be intimidating to some — we hope to break down that stereotype, dismantle all barriers, including the financial ones, and help people see themselves here.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?
Duplessis: We have the unique opportunity to enjoy many special moments when any of our artists feel the click of a new skill, bonding with new friends, goals achieved, rolls earned, acceptance letters received, and so much more. But truly, the most satisfying part of our job is knowing that the time they spend at PSA transcends their artistic journey into the humans they are in the world.

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?
Duplessis: PSA has a unique connection to our beautiful theater providing access to the industry experts on the Paramount Theater stage and beyond. These relationships deliver all PSA students with first hand experiences of state of the art productions, equipment, spaces and more. We also offer the most accessible scholarship program in our area, making sure everyone who applies receives scholarship funding.

Patch: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given when it comes to success?
Duplessis: There are only two things you can control your attitude and your effort. Everything else is in Beta mode.

Patch: Are there any new projects or endeavors you’re working on that you’re extra excited about?
Duplessis: Thanks to a generous grant from the Aurora Area Women's Empowerment Foundation, we are in the process of commissioning a Theater For Young Audiences new work with three very talented writers. We plan to tour this production to Aurora schools in the upcoming years, furthering our mission of making the arts and arts education accessible to our community.

Patch: Do you have any events coming up in your community? If so, tell us about them.
Duplessis: Our spring enrollment is open, including the opportunity to participate in our 2nd Annual Spring Showcase "Booked!"

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about PSA?
Duplessis: For real time updates, you can follow us on our socials:

• Facebook - Paramount School of the Arts
• Instagram - PSAAurora
• TikTok - ParamountSchoolofTheArts

To see registration for our programs, you can visit our website paramountschool.com.