The Highlands Ranch nonprofit that has put more than 15,000 kids on stage is getting bigger for its 20th birthday.
Performing Arts Academy (PAA), the after-school youth theatre organization at 5690 County Line Place, announced Tuesday that it has expanded its facility by 3,000 square feet — two additional studios, bringing its total to seven studios and more than 13,000 square feet dedicated to singing, acting, dancing, and creating.
"Expanding into an additional 3,000 square feet provides more opportunities for kids and teens to build character, create community, and inspire excellence," said Dr. James Ramsey, PAA's founder and executive director, in the announcement.
The build-out is finished. Marketing manager Gena DiMuro told DougCo Social on Sept. 17 that the expansion is complete and the academy plans to start holding classes in the new space in October.
20 years, 15,000 students
PAA first stepped onto the stage in 2006 and has since welcomed more than 15,000 students, ages 3.5 to 18. Today it runs more than 60 classes, 40 summer camps, and 30 shows each year, with programs built around acting, singing, dancing, and technical theatre.
"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," Ramsey said of founding the academy.
The academy frames its mission as extending past the stage — public speaking, creative thinking, collaboration, and accountability are the skills it says students carry into the rest of their lives, guided by what it calls the PAA Way: preparation, attitude, and accountability.
"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," Ramsey said.
The new studios add room for classes, camps, and rehearsals as the academy heads into its next 20 years. Year-round programming is at PAAColorado.org.
More youth arts in Douglas County
- PAA's community showcase on Aug. 28 drew about 350 people, per the academy — it plans to run it again next year.
- For what's on stage around the county, browse events in Highlands Ranch and the full arts and culture calendar.
Performing Arts Academy
5690 County Line Place, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
PAAColorado.org
Reported September 16, 2026 from Performing Arts Academy's press release and announcement to DougCo Social, and updated September 17, 2026. The expansion figures, student counts, program numbers, and all quotes come from the academy's own release; the Aug. 28 attendance figure, the completion of the build-out, and the October start for classes in the new space come from marketing manager Gena DiMuro. Photos provided by Performing Arts Academy: the exterior shot is the new space, the studio shot is an existing one, and the academy says photos of the finished new studios are still to come.