ABOUT US

Who We Are

The SPARC, opening in early 2026, is the new home base of the Upper Darby Arts & Education Foundation and the hub of creativity and education for the greater community. We welcome the youngest among us through our wisest elders to find their own sparks and light up the world.

Since 1998, the Upper Darby Arts & Education Foundation has been dedicated to enriching the lives of young people and residents through educational programming, arts opportunities, and community service.

The Foundation annually welcomes 800 young people and entertains more than 26,000 members of the greater community through dynamic performances and programming via the award-winning Upper Darby Summer Stage and Schoener MusicMan Academy.

The Foundation also sponsors the UDAE Service Club and Upper Darby Collaborative, encouraging community involvement and creating connections across our neighborhoods. 

We can’t wait to welcome you to the SPARC at Barclay Square this Fall! We appreciate everything you do to support us in our mission to transform lives through inclusive arts and education experiences that empower all people and unite our community.

Summer Stage frozen princess signing autograph with child
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Jazz Jam Camp
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UDAEF Executive Staff

Executive Director – Justin Heimbecker
Associate Executive Director – Jennifer Schoener
Director of Development - Erik Christ
Office Manager – Ryan Stone
Director of Education – Rachel Brown
Summer Stage Artistic & Managing Director – Chris Luner
SPARC Administrative Director - Amanda Ehst
Director of Audience Services - Kylie Dryden

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UDAEF Board of Directors

President – Joseph Lunardi
Governance & Records Officer – Charles Mohnacky
Treasurer – William Strahan

Francesca Buzzell
Paul Cheng
Steven DeMott
Carolyn Felker
Brian McFadden
David Othmer
Mariela Smith-McLallen
Jim Thompson
UD Township Representative – TBA
UDSD Board Representative - Damien C. Warsavage


Senior Student Delegate - Tasnim Ahmed
Junior Student Delegate – Fahrin Ahmed

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