Barbara Yokom

Executive Director

Barbara Yokom has had a distinguished career as Founder and Executive Director of The School of Performing Arts.  She is forerunner in the advancement of the performing arts and has built a reputation throughout the Chicagoland area as leader in the field of arts education. A graduate of Millikin University, with a degree in Business, and a minor in Fine Arts, Yokom has been an active performer, educator, choreographer and community contributor—culminating with the establishment of the School of Performing Arts in 1990. 

While Barbara has overseen a tremendous growth in quantity and quality at S.P.A. she prides herself in never losing touch with her passion for teaching.  With over twenty years of teaching experience, from primary to adult levels, Barbara continues to be a forthright arts educator and authority on Child Actor Management.  She has seen her students, S.P.A. Alumni, and children excel in prestigious careers with Walt Disney Productions, The Royal Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, and several chief television and film production companies. 

Distinguishing herself as a leader—Barbara continues to seek and acquire sought-after specialists to join her staff in both administrative and artistic roles. As a resourceful manager, Mrs. Yokom maintains her strong work-ethic in both professional and personal arenas, as a proud wife and mother of three.