Janus College Preparatory & Arts Academies, Inc.
JCPAA Fine & Performing Arts Studio
JCPAA is located in the heart of Milwaukee’s downtown Performing Arts community, lower level of the historic Plankinton Building at 161 W. Wisconsin Avenue.
Since 2010, The downtown studio offers an extensive array of dance, theatre, music, and visual arts for students of all ages! JCPAA’s Performing Arts Studio is Milwaukee’s newest addition to the artistic talent that is a part of downtown’s performing arts community.
Our mission is to strengthen youth and young adults through exposure to the arts, provide opportunities for creative expression, and by providing opportunities for youth to explore their creativity and talents through the arts. Whether students become artists themselves, work in an arts-related field, enjoy the arts as patrons or support the arts.
Students are technically trained in music, dance, theater, and the visual arts! They learn the fundamentals and techniques in the four program areas. JCPAA broadens the knowledge of our students by introducing them to the world of the arts and teaching the fundamentals and techniques. Youth and teens receive professional arts instruction, enjoy performances and exhibits, and receive tutoring, mentoring and coaching to achieve academically and pursue their interest in the arts.
Pursuing an artistic career can be an exhausting, emotional journey. Whether your goal is to learn new skills, launch an independent business or work within the industry, JCPAA is the perfect place to build the foundation. And as a student here, you will have access to our amazing, supportive network throughout your time studying. We’re dedicated to teaching the skills and providing the best virtual experience necessary for successful futures. both personally and professionally. Take a look through our site to learn more.
Wall of Fame
Making Headlines This Week
Vanessa James Benton
Vanessa James Benton-Writer is known for The Sandman (2022), How to Get Away with Murder (2014) and In Contempt (2018). Vanessa James Benton is also known for Fate: The Winx Saga (2021). Dark fantasy and horror TV and short story writer, originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Vanessa Benton is a writer and experimental artist. She is a TV writer and has written on shows like The Sandman, How To Get Away With Murder, and Fate: The Winx Saga. Outside of TV writing, she writes horror and dark fantasy short stories and experimental stories.
Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Vanessa initially attended college at the University of Wisconsin, but, realized that she wanted to write for a living. She transferred to NYU Tisch and studied TV and Film graduated in 2015 and earned her Degree in Film and Television. She moved out to LA, the same year, to work as an assistant for a show called In Contempt on BET. Vanessa then moved on to work for How to Get Away with Murder as a showrunner’s assistant. She wrote her first episode on HTGAWM. From there, she was hired for Netflix’s The Sandman and later Fate: The Winx Saga.
Vanessa was the Summer Intensive Theater Instructor at JCPAA 2012-2014 and Virtual 2021. She is often a guest speaker and is a mentor for our current Creative Writing and Theater students.
Past Nominations and Wins Nebula Awards 2022 The Sandman: Season 1 Episode Ninja - The BEST episodes written by Vanessa James Benton #1 - Family Sucks How to Get Away with Murder - Season 6 - Episode 6 #2 – Collectors The Sandman - Season 1 - Episode 9
