The CAPA College class of 2021 wow virtual audiences in their final showcases

The departing students from CAPA College displayed the incredible development that they have made whilst studying at the college in their Graduation Showcases. Across three evenings, the soon to be Musical Theatre, Drama and Dance alumni wowed online audiences with the depth, diversity and sheer enthusiasm of their performances, none of which could have been possible without the technical know-how and artistry of their Creative Media and Production counterparts.  

The Graduation Showcase festival commenced on Wednesday 24th May with a varied and sophisticated programme given by the Dance Pathway. This streamed event highlighted the versatility that the CAPA College dancers possess, with performances including high-energy commercial routines, A-level study work and original choreography from the CAPA College students and Young Creatives. The evening concluded by taking a step back in time to the 1980’s as CAPA College’s ‘What A Feeling!’, originally choreographed for Move It 2020, finally hit the stage. This commercial jazz performance, which paid homage to the iconic Musical Theatre show ‘Flashdance’, was an explosive end to the evening. 

The second night was the turn of the Musical Theatre Pathway. Their showcase reflected all three elements of their course: acting, singing and dancing, all performed to an incredibly high standard. ‘Mr Pinstripe’, another Move It 2020 dance piece, opened the show in style with a ‘hidey ho’  and plenty of thrills and spills. From beautifully performed solo songs, hilarious monologues, original playwriting, commercial dance, a capella singing, a homage to Fosse and of course lots and lots of musical theatre, this show really had something for everyone. Ticket holders headed to social media to praise the students: “Great show with some serious talent on display! Well done everyone and good luck for the future.” 

The final evening featured the Drama Pathway; an event that combined live performances and a host of film work that the students had produced during lockdown. Although the screen acting, editing and directing for camera skills the students acquired will be invaluable to their future careers, the cast were thrilled to be performing live again, in a show that featured their own original writing, audition material, extracts from scripted performances and even a song or two! The two combined to create a fantastic show reflecting the skills of both the students and the creative talents of the CAPA College faculty.  

The streaming of these impressive Graduation Showcases would not have been possible without the talented Production and Creative Media Pathway. These students were vital in the success of the showcase project, as they led on the design and technical operations of all aspects of the shows – from lights and sound, to stage management and filming. The showcases were a chance for the Production Arts students to work on a final live performance, highlighting the industry level skills that they have developed throughout their time at CAPA College. 

After an unprecedented academic year due to COVID-19, CAPA College has relentlessly adapted to ensure that all students have maintained a jam-packed and truly vocational timetable, whether that be remotely or in-person. This is alongside an abundance of unique opportunities, including the inaugural Digital Arts Festival, working with international professional artist during the Masterclass Programme and the live streamed performances that the class of 2021 have taken part in. 

With this talented cohort of performers going on to study at the UK’s top universities and arts conservatoires, including ArtsEd, Mountview, the Guildford School of Acting, Rambert, The Place and Laine Theatre Arts, CAPA College has ensured that they have received the skills, training, experience, and knowledge they need to succeed within the Arts. 

A huge well done to everyone involved in creating these sophisticated and impressive showcases. We cannot wait to see what lies ahead for these extremely talented young artists and wish them all the best for their future careers.