The Juilliard School. Berklee College of Music. Pratt Institute. UC LA. New York University. What do these prestigious visual and performing arts universities have in common? They each have Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory graduates among their students.
Sacred Heart Cathedral (SHC) is home to the Bay Area’s most dynamic Visual & Performing Arts (VPA) Program. With a rigorous curriculum and a faculty of seasoned professionals, SHC nurtures the artistic passions of students at all levels. From chorus, dance and theatre to instrumental music, photography and design, there’s a place for every creative soul to thrive.
What truly sets SHC’s VPA program apart are its state-of-the-art facilities and resources. The 300-seat Sister Caroline Collins, DC, Theater is a crown jewel in San Francisco, equipped with an industry-standard sound and lighting booth where students can master cutting-edge technology. Behind the scenes, a spacious workshop beckons those with a flair for set design and construction, providing them with the tools to bring their visions to life.
For the musically inclined, SHC offers a dedicated chorus room with a recording studio and a generously sized classroom for instrumental practice. The recently added dance studio is a haven for those who express themselves through movement, offering a creative space that inspires and energizes.
Students can also find inspiration outside the school. With The SF Ballet, San Francisco Jazz Center, The Opera and San Francisco Symphony just blocks away from campus, students can watch and learn from masters of their craft — and some of them are SHC graduates.
“Before coming here, I wasn’t a singer or an actor,” says Gavin Bermudez, a proud member of the Class of 2023 and now a student at NYU Steinhardt. “But whenever an opportunity to try something new arose, I didn’t hesitate. This encouraging community taught me to never set limits. If you’re even a little interested in something, go for it, because you might discover a passion you never knew you had — a unique gift to share with the world.”
The Visual & Performing Arts Program doesn’t just teach the arts — it ignites a passion and lifelong love for creative expression. Apply today or contact the Admissions Office to begin the creative journey at Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory. See the VPA department in action — watch a short documentary on last year’s fall play.
