Help shape the future of Yorkshire’s highly-acclaimed CAPA College

As Yorkshire’s prestigious Creative and Performing Arts College prepares to move to its new, permanent home, they need your help to afford specialist technical equipment

Did you know that many of the country’s most promising young actors, singers, dancers, designers and producers began their training in West Yorkshire? From appearing alongside Cher and Meryl Streep in Mamma Mia 2, starring in such popular BBC and ITV dramas as Harlots, Wild Bill and Cold Feet and opening the highly-anticipated Frozen the Musical in the West End to triumphing on BBC Young Dancer, securing record contracts and becoming leading set and costume designers, sound and lighting technicians, photographers and videographers, the dreams and careers of young performers and creators are made at Wakefield’s CAPA College.

Formed in 2006, CAPA College is a specialist Creative and Performing Arts College for students aged 16-19 from across the North of England. Wakefield’s only DfE-funded Free School, it supports 250 students each year to fulfil their aspirations of pursuing a professional career in Dance, Drama, Musical Theatre, Production Arts and Media. It is one of the most prestigious organisations of its kind in the UK, achieving 100% A*-C grades and being ranked in the top 1% for student progress, with its graduates going on to study at the UK’s leading universities and arts conservatoires as well as securing leading jobs in the Arts industry.

More than this, the College is proven to improve life chances and address socio-economic and North/South inequalities. Approximately 64% of its students come from areas where young people are least likely to progress to university and 70% of its students come from parts of the North where involvement in the Arts is below the national average. CAPA College is, quite literally, transforming young people’s lives.

CAPA College is no stranger to fighting for the future of British Arts. From leading a viral social media campaign, to addressing Boris Johnson, being lauded in the House of Commons and securing Department for Education backing, the College has worked tirelessly to support talented young people and maintain its outstanding academic provision.

In 2021, after many years of renting temporary accommodation, CAPA College will be moving to its own, brand new, purpose-built facilities in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. The building, situated opposite Wakefield Westgate train station, will become a new cultural hub for the North of England. As well as providing a home for these up-and-coming young stars, it will also provide the wider community with access to professional Arts education, performances and state-of-the-art facilities.

The impressive new building, designed by Sheffield’s award-winning Race Cottam Associates, will house dance, drama and singing studios; sound recording studios; television, video, sound and media suites; production, costume and technical workshops; classrooms and lecture theatres; a public café with outdoor terrace and no fewer than four performance spaces, including a 150-seat theatre.

But, in order to continue to support and challenge its students, push the boundaries of Digital Arts and become a world-leading Arts education provider, CAPA College needs to secure additional funding to fit out the new building with specialist technical teaching equipment – and this is where you can help!

Today CAPA College launched three exciting new fundraising initiatives. Whether you’re passionate about British Arts, want to nurture talented young people or simply leave a lasting legacy in your local area, this is your opportunity to support the ground-breaking College.

Pathway to the Stars – This is Yorkshire’s answer to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Looking for the perfect gift this Christmas? Want to promote your business or treat someone close? Then why not purchase a star on the pathway leading up to CAPA College’s main entrance. These black and silver stars will be inscribed with the name of your choice and preserved for generations to come.

Brick by Brick – The new CAPA College will also be home to a specialist amphitheatre. Enclosed by seating on two sides, this outdoor performance space will host professional shows, events and regular student performances – and you can provide the foundation for this creativity by purchasing a brick which will be inset into the floor of the performance space. Inscribed with the name of a local contributor, these bricks will be a constant reminder of your support.

Founding Patron – If you’re looking to make an even more significant impact in the lives of young creatives, then why not become a founding patron? In exchange for your donation, you will receive substantial profile at the new CAPA College including a star, a brick, a personalised plaque in the central foyer, VIP tickets to CAPA College events and an opportunity for you and up to 6 family, friends or colleagues to attend a creative lesson delivered by the College’s specialist artist team. There’s no greater way to demonstrate your support and help secure the future of this incredible College.

CAPA College is part of Enhance Academy Trust, which is an exempt charity.