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:
Josie Thompson
Josie Thompson is a Milwaukee-born, Los Angeles-based professional dancer and choreographer. In the music industry. She is most notably recognized for dancing with pop star Doja Cat, performing on her tours and projects. She has performed with hip-hop and R&B artists including Lakeyah, Ne-Yo, Ludacris, and SZA.
Josie performed at the Grammy Awards 2021 and most recently, June 2026 she performed at the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Estadio Azteca in Mexico with Shakira and Burna Boy!
Dance performance credits: Made in America Festival, Rolling Loud, BillBoard Music Awards, Heart Radio Music Awards, Grammy Awards, Hot Pink Sessions, Young Baby Tate.
Josie’s career starts at an early age. She is technically trained in ballet, modern, jazz, and hip hop. At the age of 7-8 she was dancing with local Milwaukee Dance Organizations at various events. She was the youngest member!! She trained at JCPAA over 5 years and by the Age of 16 was a Dance Instructor at JCPAA Fine & Performing Arts. Josie performed with local organizations like CAPITA Productions (celebrating Black History Month) and danced with Water Street Dance Milwaukee.
To pursue her professional dance goals, she relocated from Milwaukee to Atlanta and later moved to Los Angeles, eventually breaking into commercial touring, where she currently calls home!
Josie as an Instructor at JCPAA wrote that her goal was to one day be a professional dancer…..She IS!!! Dreams DO come true!
