Business Details
35 Years
experience
Creative Arts Education for All Ages in Mansfield
Richland Academy of the Arts has been a cornerstone of artistic education and community enrichment in North Central Ohio since 1991. Founded on the belief that creativity is essential to personal and community growth, we offer comprehensive programs in dance, music, theatre, visual arts, and martial arts for all ages and skill levels. Our mission is to foster creative potential through professional instruction, ensuring accessibility regardless of financial barriers. With over 30 years of service, we have awarded more than $652,000 in scholarships and engaged thousands through classes, workshops, and community events. Our 47,000-square-foot ADA-compliant facility in downtown Mansfield serves as a hub for artistic expression, cultural engagement, and lifelong learning.Our team of highly qualified instructors brings decades of professional experience, combining technical expertise with a passion for nurturing talent. We prioritize safety, inclusivity, and innovation, offering flexible scheduling, financial aid, and state-of-the-art spaces for both education and event rentals. Recognized by the Ohio Arts Council and local sponsors, we remain committed to advancing arts education as a transformative force for individuals and the broader community.
Services
Dance Classes
Music Lessons
Theatre Programs
Visual Arts
Martial Arts
Private Instruction
Community Schools
Financial Aid
Facility Rentals
Adult Programs
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of proven expertise in arts education with professional instructors.
- Our 47,000-square-foot ADA-compliant facility supports diverse artistic disciplines.
- We provide over $652,000 in scholarships to ensure accessible arts education.
- Our curriculum combines technical training with personal growth and community engagement.
- We host 10,000+ annual attendees at community events and performances.
What people say
"life-changing impact"
"passionate instructors"
"family-friendly atmosphere"
"transformative experience"
"excellent instructors"
Services
Dance Classes
Our dance programs teach technique, discipline, and performance skills through ballet, tap, hip-hop, and more. Students gain physical coordination, confidence, and artistic expression under professional guidance. Classes cater to ages 2 through adults with specialized tracks for early learners and seniors.
Music Lessons
We offer vocal and instrumental instruction for all skill levels, including piano, guitar, and percussion. Our curriculum develops musical theory, technical proficiency, and creative expression while fostering cognitive development and social engagement through group performances.
Theatre Programs
Acting, puppetry, and stage production courses build confidence, public speaking skills, and collaborative creativity. Students explore character development, technical theatre, and performance techniques through age-appropriate classes and productions.
Visual Arts
Drawing, painting, ceramics, and mixed media courses nurture artistic expression for beginners and experienced artists. Our instructors guide students through technical fundamentals while encouraging personal creativity and aesthetic appreciation across multiple mediums.
Martial Arts
American Kenpo Karate and Modern Arnis programs develop physical fitness, discipline, and self-defense skills. Classes emphasize character development, coordination, and confidence-building through structured belt progression systems for children and adults.
People
Dr. Michael Benson
Executive Director
Nationally certified music educator with 11 years as Professor of Music at Malone University. Holds DMA from University of Texas at Austin. Oversees strategic direction and artistic vision for the academy.
Sarah Horrigan-Ramos
Dance Department Chair
Alvin Ailey School graduate with 14 years leading dance instruction. Former principal dancer with Yaa Samar! Dance Group. Specializes in ballet and Horton technique instruction for all skill levels.
Marden Ramos
Ballet Instructor
Former principal dancer with National Ballet of Television and Elisa Monte Dance Company. Brings 20+ years of professional performance experience to ballet and contemporary technique instruction.
Erin Wolford
Dance & Theatre Instructor
BFA in Musical Theatre with 15 years of choreography experience. Teaches jazz, tap, and musical theatre while managing community performance programs and student productions.
Jason Farnsworth
Martial Arts Instructor
6th Degree Black Belt in American Kenpo with 25+ years teaching experience. Combines technical precision with character development in martial arts instruction for children and adults.
Questions
What age groups do your programs serve?
We offer classes for children as young as infants through senior citizens, with specialized curricula for early learners, youth, teens, and adults.
Do you provide financial assistance?
Yes, our Tuition Assistance Program has awarded over $652,000 in scholarships since 1991, ensuring accessibility for all income levels.
What dance styles are available?
We teach ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, modern, lyrical, salsa, and creative movement with professional instruction for all skill levels.
Are private music lessons available?
Yes, we offer one-on-one instruction in piano, guitar, voice, percussion, and strings with experienced instructors tailored to individual goals.
Can I rent your facility for events?
Our 47,000-square-foot ADA-compliant space includes multiple studios and performance areas available for rental with technical support staff.
Do you offer martial arts programs?
Yes, our American Kenpo Karate and Modern Arnis classes develop self-defense skills, physical fitness, and character for students aged 5 through adults.
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