Mon Valley Performing Arts Academy Pursues Permanent Home to Expand Arts Access and Community Services

Last Updated on Tuesday, 30 September 2025 16:16

The Mon Valley Performing Arts Academy (MVPAA), a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is announcing plans to secure a permanent, turn-key facility in the heart of California, Pennsylvania. The new home will allow MVPAA to expand its award-winning performing arts programs and launch a first-ever Community Hub serving families throughout the Mon Valley.

MVPAA currently serves youth in Washington, Greene, Fayette, and Westmoreland counties, offering affordable voice, acting, and dance courses, summer camps, and performance opportunities. True to its nonprofit mission, tuition covers only about 30% of the actual cost of programming, with every dollar raised reinvested into student opportunities.

“For years, our dream has been to give back—and give better—to our community through the performing arts,” said Michele Pagen, Artistic Director of MVPAA. “This permanent home would make that dream a reality. It’s more than a building—it’s a chance to create a place where young people can thrive in the arts while families also find the resources and support they need.”

While MVPAA is grateful for the generous partnership with PennWest University’s Theatre Department, which has provided space for classes and camps, a dedicated facility will enable expanded classes, rehearsal and study areas, and foster community partnerships. Plans for the new Community Hub include:

Partnerships with local social service organizations
Food and goods collection and distribution for families in need
Free WiFi and study space for students without reliable internet access at home

MVPAA invites community members, businesses, and arts supporters to help bring this vision to life.

For more information or to support the campaign, visit https://givebutter.com/MVPAAOpenTheDoor or email info@mvpaa.com.

About Mon Valley Performing Arts Academy (MVPAA)

The Mon Valley Performing Arts Academy is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to making the performing arts accessible and affordable for all. Serving Washington, Greene, Fayette, and Westmoreland counties, MVPAA offers courses, camps, and performance opportunities in voice, acting, and dance, helping students build creativity, confidence, and collaboration skills that last a lifetime.