CAPA College’s virtual alumni event reunites Performing Arts stars from across the UK 

On Friday 29th May, CAPA College (Creative and Performing Arts College) launch their first alumni event to reunite their graduates living nationwide with the Wakefield based College. As Wakefield’s first DfE-funded Free School, CAPA College provides specialist education and training in various aspects of media and the theatrical arts for students aged 16–19. Students receive professional Arts training alongside rigorous academic study. But while the studios of the College’s multi-site campus are usually alive with a sea of leotards and ballet shoes, recently it has been a different story. 

Like schools, colleges and universities up and down the country, CAPA College closed its doors on Friday 20th March. The College successfully faced lockdown head on, now offering a full remote learning timetable with live streamed classes, active participation dance, drama and singing workshops, collaborative digital projects and face to face tutorials for ongoing pastoral support. Covering everything from ensemble singing and devising to ballet, Fosse and jazz, these interactive lessons ensure students can continue with their artistic studies in these uncertain times. 

The success of College’s online campus caught the attention of their alumni. CAPA College graduates took to social media to express their enthusiasm to join in with the classes that they missed so dearly. One past student said:  

“Would love a good insanity workout right about now!! Miss CAPA College so much!” 

CAPA College alumni have gone on to study at the best Arts universities and conservatoires in the UK. Their graduates’ impressive careers have led them to star on the West End stage, appear in Hollywood movies and become the next generation of directors, designers and technicians. Most recently alumni have stared in Saturday Night Fever UK & International Tour, along with West End shows Waitress and City of Angels. These alumni located across the UK will now be reunited as the Wakefield based College that kickstarted their success has planned a virtual alumni reunion, allowing CAPA College graduates a chance to take a step back in time from the comfort of their own homes. 

Claire Nicholson, Principal of CAPA College says: “We are so proud of the impressive careers that our graduates have gone on to achieve and we’re excited that our virtual event will reunite us with all of our talented past students. We’re so pleased that our alumni look back so fondly on their time at CAPA College – it shows we’re giving them the best start.” 

The online event will be so much more than your standard meet & greet reunion as CAPA College have timetabled a jam-packed ‘step back in time’ programme for their graduates. Along with catching up with staff members and other graduates, alumni will have the opportunity to participate in their favourite classes from their time at CAPA College. From commercial dance classes to physical CORE and jazz workshops, they will re-live some great memories and put their stamina to the test. 

CAPA College plan for this to be the first of many alumni events as they open their new state-of-the-art facilities next year. CAPA College’s permanent home on Mulberry Way (opposite Wakefield Westgate train station) will house dance, drama and singing studios as well as industry-standard production facilities and media suites, a 150-seat theatre, a public café and an amphitheatre. As the ‘Gateway to Wakefield’ this facility will not only be open to current CAPA College students, but graduates and the wider community alike. 

See the highlights from the virtual event:

Meet the Cast of If Not Now, When? 

CAPA College recently received National Lottery Project Grants funding from Arts Council England to develop, If Not Now, When?, a play written by second year student and emerging young writer Isabel Hague for a regional tour. Research and development of the play has continued despite social lockdown with online workshops ensuring that the project continues with strength (listen to the If Not Now, When? R&D Podcast here). 

The play will be performed by CAPA College’s in-house theatre company, Momentum Theatre. With the cast list recently announced, students can now begin to fully explore the characters that they are set to perform. Directed by in-house directors Stacey Johnstone and Katy Dartsch with support from guest director, Joseph Hancock, If Not Now When? will become a full-length studio performance of 80 minutes and will tour across the Yorkshire region.   

Watch the video below to hear Isabel Hague talk about her journey so far and meet the cast of If Not Now, When?: 

CAPA College’s exciting new Masterclass programme kickstarts with renowned guest artists from across the world 

After implementing its phenomenal new remote learning timetable (read more here), CAPA College has now set its sights on broadening the range of online classes and enrichment opportunities for its students. 

In addition to offering a jam-packed timetable of interactive live classes taught by the College’s team of top professional teachers, directors, choreographers, musical directors, designers and technicians, CAPA College has now introduced an innovative new programme of guest masterclasses. 

Each week, CAPA College students will take part in workshops hosted remotely by industry renowned artists from across the world. These award-winning creatives from Mississippi, Holland, Belgium and beyond will be delivering exclusive content in the upcoming weeks. 

As well as live dance classes, scriptwriting workshops, digital media masterclasses and much more, students will have the unique opportunity to take part in question and answer sessions with these acclaimed guests, allowing them to gain valuable advice on the Arts industry from experts within their field. 

The new and innovative Masterclass programme commenced with a series of high-energy dance classes delivered by West End performer Lisa Mathieson to students enrolled on the Dance and Musical Theatre pathways.  

Lisa’s astounding career in musical theatre has seen her perform in incredible shows from ‘We Will Rock You’ and ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ to starring in the original cast of Tim Minchin‘s Olivier Award- winning musical ‘Groundhog Day’. With such an impressive career, students were keen to receive her valuable advice on how to succeed with their training at CAPA College: 

“You have to make sure that you work really hard. It is hard work. I am so competitive because in my head I say I need to be better than that person. If she can do three turns then I’m doing four, if she can leap high then I’m leaping higher. Have an end goal and be ready to work for it.” 

The CAPA College Masterclass programme has continued with spectacular success. Last week an incredible array of acclaimed artists provided exclusive workshops for students enrolled across all four pathways (Dance, Drama, Musical Theatre and Production Arts & Media). From professional actor Ashley Pekri’s interactive drama workshop to musical director and CAPA College alumni, Billy Bullivant providing valuable mock auditions, students have benefitted from a one-to-one audience with some of the world’s top creatives. 

Students have taken to social media to express their gratitude to the guest artists: 

“thank you so much @ashleypekri for the masterclass today @CAPACOLLEGE. It was so so helpful and I’ll definitely be reading over my notes and using them for future reference!” 

One highlight of the Masterclass programme has been a series of exciting live classes from Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions winner Glen ‘Pulse’ Murphy. The dancer, best known as being part of the duo act ‘Twist and Pulse’, was impressed with the positive attitudes and hard work shown by the CAPA College students.  

CAPA College would like to take this opportunity to thank the guest artists for their engaging and innovative workshops. 

CAPA College provides it students with professional training and academia which combined with these enrichment activities are a huge part of what makes the College unique. Despite the uncertain current climate, many of the College’s second-year students have already received offers from the best Arts universities and conservatoires in the UK. 

With even more incredible Masterclasses coming up, keep up to date by following CAPA College on social media: @capacollege 

CAPA College begin research and development for play ‘If Not Now, When?’ by launching an insightful new podcast 

CAPA College received National Lottery Project Grants funding from Arts Council England to develop, If Not Now, When?, written by young, emerging writer Isabel Hague (read more here). Research and development has now begun for the CAPA College student’s 2019 National Theatre New Views annual playwriting competition winning play If Not Now, When?, which is set to tour across the Yorkshire region. 

The play will be performed by CAPA College’s in-house theatre company, Momentum Theatre, directed by in-house directors Stacey Johnstone and Katy Dartsch and supported by guest director, Joseph Hancock who will contribute to making If Not Now, When? a full-length studio performance of 80 minutes.  

Despite the current uncertain times brought by the UK lockdown meaning that R&D must begin in an unconventional way, the show must go on! CAPA College’s Momentum Theatre have already begun online workshops ensuring that the project continues with strength. 

Director, Stacey Johnstone says: “Like many companies, funded and/or planned projects are one of those things we are holding on to and carry with us through these isolated but not entirely disconnected times. These projects are the good kinds of baggage, the things we choose to carry forwards with us. The very title of the show is what many people will be asking of venues If Not Now, When? We are sitting with “when”, being in the future, a future that will inevitably happen, after many deep breaths together.” 

If Not Now, When?, explores character Liam’s turbulent relationship with his sister Chelsey. Liam is misusing alcohol, but Chelsey sees his potential. In a world fractured by their family’s past, Chelsey and Liam try to piece together their future. As the R&D begins, it is important for the cast to explore the character relationships to create a meaningful and poignant play. Isabel Hague says, “Their relationship is clearly unique but despite the fact they are siblings by definition, they will always be friends by choice.” 

Director Stacey Johnstone has begun documenting this process in an insightful new podcast. Starting with characterisation, continue to follow the journey of Momentum Theatre’s R&D of If Not Now, When? in weekly new podcasts which will be added to this news story. Listen to week one’s podcast below: 

The future of online education? Meet the Yorkshire College thriving during lockdown

The top choice for budding singers, dancers, actors and creatives in the North of England, CAPA College is home to over 250 of the country’s most promising young stars. As Wakefield’s first DfE-funded Free School, CAPA College provides specialist education and training in various aspects of media and the theatrical arts for students aged 16-19 with alumni going on to star on the West End stage, appear in Hollywood movies and become the next generation of directors, designers and technicians. But while the studios of the College’s multi-site campus are usually alive with a sea of leotards and ballet shoes, recently it has been a different story.

Like schools, colleges and universities up and down the country, CAPA College closed its doors on Friday 20th March. In the uncertainty of coronavirus students not only faced a summer term with no exams, they were also denied the opportunity to showcase their recent artistic creations, develop their all-important portfolios and broaden their training in this highly competitive industry. But when one door closes, another one opens. While other educators scrambled to find online resources and create remote learning packs, CAPA College was already ready to power up its online campus.

Since opening its doors in 2018 CAPA College has invested heavily in technology and its digital infrastructure. The College is proudly paper free and operates a ‘Bring Your Own’ device policy for lessons, while making a range of technical equipment from laptops to cameras, microphones and drones freely available. With the structure of systems like Office 365, RingCentral and Dropbox, students enrolled across the four pathways (Dance, Drama, Musical Theatre and Production Arts & Media) are used to creating digital notebooks, submitting their work and receiving feedback online and accessing the latest e-learning resources.

Eddie Copp, Artistic Director of CAPA College, says ‘The use of technology in education is extremely important. We strive to ensure our students have access to the latest equipment and are kept up to date with advancements in the industry. Whether they are learning to tech a show with lighting, sound and costume or simply market themselves online, these digital tools are vital to kickstart a professional career.’

With an award-winning team of teachers, directors, choreographers and dramaturgs at the helm, lockdown proved to be a mere stumbling block for this innovative College. With laptops issued on long-term loans, in a matter of days students were taking part in lessons from the new virtual campus. CAPA College now offers a full remote learning timetable with live streamed classes, active participation dance, drama and singing workshops, collaborative digital projects and face to face tutorials for ongoing pastoral support. Covering everything from ensemble singing and devising to ballet, Fosse and jazz, these interactive lessons ensure students can continue with their artistic studies in these uncertain times.

The response to CAPA College’s virtual learning has been phenomenal with an average 96% daily attendance and many students logging on to take advantage of the College’s extra Easter timetable which was offered to provide some stability during lockdown. Parents have been quick to express their support for the College:

‘I am in awe at what your staff have managed to achieve in such a short timeframe. The level of professionalism and enthusiasm is inspiring, and if the impact you have made on my daughter is replicated across your student base, you are not only taking care of their educational needs, you are providing them with a motivational lifeline to carry them through these troubled times.’

Teaching and learning continues to develop at CAPA College in spite of the pandemic. This week the College invested in two additional cloud-based applications, Soundtrap and WeVideo, to allow students to record, upload and share their own media online. And of course, the show must go on. This term students will create and perform their own original choreography, theatre and digital media from their own homes. It is not necessary to tread the boards to create new and inspiring works and CAPA College has fully embraced the fact that lockdown provides a unique opportunity for its students to think creatively about their Art.

CAPA College has also kickstarted an exciting new programme of masterclasses with guest workshops being delivered remotely by acclaimed national and international artists. Starting with National Theatre and New Vic Theatre Director Joe Hancock and West End performer Lisa Mathieson, award-winning creatives from Mississippi, Holland, Belgium and beyond will be delivering exclusive content in the upcoming weeks. Students have taken to social media to share their enthusiasm for the new virtual CAPA College:

‘Wow @CAPACOLLEGE you amaze me! Not only providing theory lessons but also practical. Thank you for pushing us as much as you normally do’

‘Loving virtual @CAPACOLLEGE. We may not be in those studios, but I am forever grateful we are still getting the same opportunities from home!’

With their refreshing approach to online learning CAPA College are not only ensuring that their students are not disadvantaged by the current pandemic, they are equipping them with the skills to flourish in the new digital world. Armed with an impressive portfolio, a can-do attitude and an understanding of the very latest trends and developments in the field, it is not surprising that many second year students have already received offers from the best Arts universities and conservatoires in the UK.

If Not Now, When? was originally performed at the National Theatre as the winning entry of New Views 2019.

(© Emma Hare)

CAPA College to stage student Isabel Hague’s award-winning play “If Not Now, When?” with the support from the National Theatre. 

CAPA College has received National Lottery Project Grants funding from Arts Council England to develop, If Not Now, When?, a play written by second year student and emerging young writer Isabel Hague. The R&D production, also supported by the Civic, Barnsley, will tour the Yorkshire region from May 2020.

With Dramaturgy mentorship from National Theatre’s Stewart Pringle, the play will be performed by CAPA College’s in house theatre company, Momentum Theatre, directed by in-house directors Stacey Johnstone and Katy Dartsch and supported by guest director, Joseph Hancock who will contribute to making If Not Now, When? a full-length studio performance of 80 minutes.

CAPA College is based in Wakefield and provides full-time, free, post-16 education in the arts: Dance, Drama, Performing Arts and Production Arts.  The 17-year-old, CAPA College student from Barnsley, South Yorkshire won the 2019 National Theatre New Views annual playwriting competition with her play If Not Now, When?. The play was then professionally produced with a professional cast, crew and creative team (as part of New Views) in the Dorfman Theatre at the National Theatre in July 2019.

If Not Now, When?, explores Liam’s turbulent relationship with his sister Chelsey. Liam is misusing alcohol, but Chelsey sees his potential. In a world fractured by their family’s past, Chelsey and Liam try to piece together their future. Isabel Hague says, “I target the truth of people and the significance of faults, the normality of contradiction in characters and the dynamics of everyday situations.”

The National Theatre say, “The National Theatre is thrilled that Isabel Hague’s first play If Not Now, When? is continuing to develop with CAPA College, and with support from Arts Council England. Isabel took part in the National Theatre’s New Views playwriting programme in 2018/19 and her play was selected as the winner from 350 entries across the UK. It was a joy to see her script brought to life on the Dorfman stage and we look forward to seeing its development with CAPA College.”

Pete Massey, Director, North, Arts Council England, says, “Congratulations to CAPA College on their National Lottery Project Grants funding for If Not Now, When?. It is great to be able to support young talented playwrights like Isabel Hague to develop their skills and hone their craft. It is fantastic that this funding not only enables Isabel get to share her awarding winning play with audiences across Yorkshire, but it also gives her fellow college students the opportunity to showcase their talents.”

Claire Nicholson, Principal of CAPA College says “CAPA College aim to become a flagship for arts education in the north and to address socio-economic barriers that results in many young people from the North of England being unable to access a high-quality, free arts education. We would like to thank the National Theatre and Arts Council England for their support and are incredibly proud of the maturity and sophistication of Isabel’s writing talents. We are thrilled that If Not Now, When? will be toured across Yorkshire, showcasing the CAPA College students immense talents.”

If Not Now, When? is set to tour across the Yorkshire region in May/June 2020 visiting Theatre Deli Sheffield on the 12^th May 2020, Theatre Royal Wakefield on the 29^th May 2020 and The Civic, Barnsley on the 19^th June 2020.

Arts Council England is the national development agency for creativity and culture. By 2030 we want England to be a country in which the creativity of each of us is valued and given the chance to flourish and where everyone of us has access to a remarkable range of high quality cultural experiences. Between 2018 and 2022, we will invest £1.45 billion of public money from government and an estimated £860 million from the National Lottery to help deliver this vision.

Follow CAPA College on social media to keep up to date with the tour: @capacollege 

CAPA College’s Drama Festival 2020 sees students shine over four performances 

The 24th February saw the start of the CAPA College Drama Festival 2020 showcasing the A Level drama performance exams. The event ran over four nights with a jam-packed programme of 16 plays being performed spectacularly by students! 

CAPA College is a DFE-Funded Frees School which provides students with intensive full–time practical training alongside the rigour of academic Arts study, with students gaining the equivalent to four A Levels. This combination of professional training and academia ensures that students develop the skills, training, experience, knowledge, understanding and qualifications to progress to higher education.  

The Drama Festival saw year two Drama and Musical Theatre pathways perform to audiences along with an external examiner, with students confidently tackling themes from family conflict to workplace dramas and bereavement. Each performance was done with the greatest levels of maturity and professionalism, displaying the students incredible acting skills.  

Katy Dartsch, Pathway Leader for Drama at CAPA College says, “We are so proud of all of the students who were involved in the exams. The fantastic collaboration between students from the Musical Theatre, Drama and Production Arts curriculum pathways resulted in some absolutely incredible performances. The progress that has been made since first year was just staggering. Well done everyone!” 

With the support and guidance from the first-class drama faculty at CAPA College, the students developed their acting into polished plays with performances ranging from poignant and moving to light-hearted and funny. Each play used props and lighting to create spell-binding performances – A huge thank you to the Production & Media pathway for setting each play so wonderfully! 

Thank you to everyone that came to support the Drama Festival 2020 and a huge well done to all the students involved for all your extremely hard work, it was definitely worth it. 

Keep up to date with CAPA College on our social media. Follow us: @capacollege 

CAPA College students showcase their stunning vocal abilities in the Redbrick Studio Sessions 

In January 2020, CAPA College launched a new video series named ‘Redbrick Studio Sessions’, highlighting the exceptional vocal talents of the students. The series consists of solo performances from CAPA College students whose beautiful vocals have received incredible feedback on social media with comments hailing the performances as ‘stunning’ and ‘amazing’! 

As a full-time Arts training and educational facility for students aged 16-19, the college is split in four pathways; Dance, Production Media, Drama and Musical Theatre. It is the Musical Theatre pathway primarily that provides rigorous and challenging vocal training from specialist teachers, allowing students to improve their solo performances, vocal techniques and acting through song whilst studying at CAPA College.  Beyond this, all four pathways that CAPA College offer are given the opportunity to improve their vocal abilities through the option of one-to-one lessons, developing the incredible vocal talents throughout the college! 

Redbrick Studio Sessions showcase the improvement and confidence gained by students with their singing throughout their time studying at CAPA College whilst allowing them to build their singing portfolio. Keep your eyes peeled as The Redbrick Studios will be soon releasing more video exclusives, exhibiting even more students’ incredible vocal talents and the variety of singing styles that they are capable of. 

Subscribe to the CAPA College YouTube channel to view the Redbrick Studio Sessions:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_jQYwUT-pW_guu9do3Kzxg 

Don’t forget to follow CAPA College on social media to enjoy future Redbrick Studio Sessions: @capacollege 

CAPA College hosts its inaugural Charity Week and helps to raise over £7,000 for worthwhile causes 

In the lead up to Christmas, CAPA College students and staff decided to give back to the community in the college’s inaugural Charity Week. From donating to food banks to hosting a Christmas jumper day, CAPA College collected donations for a host of fantastic causes. 

Throughout December students participated in the Christmas tour, singing Christmas songs in a variety of venues from care homes, hospitals, train stations to galleries and private businesses. Students raised money for Macmillan Cancer Support while spreading festive cheer through their performances of festive carols and Christmas classics. While performing at Wakefield Westgate station and Wakefield Bus station they managed to raise an impressive £300.  

The tour also took students to Leeds Minster for the ‘Carols for Christmas Concert’ in aid of Leeds Cancer Support, Leeds Cares and Maggie’s Yorkshire Macmillan Cancer Support. This event raised a huge £6,479.43 and featured a variety of performances including CAPA College’s acapella choir. This inspired CAPA College Charity week, allowing staff and students to generate even more donations! 

The week began with two second year drama students holding a bake sale, fundraising for the Little Princess Charity, who supply real hair wigs to children with hair loss. Students planned and organised the sale themselves and sold delicious buns and cakes at CAPA College’s Thornes Campus. 

Later in the week, Christmas Jumper Day encouraged students and staff to wear their most impressive festive attire. Each person contributed at least £1 to Wakefield Healthwatch, a local cancer charity. Some students even attempted ballet in their holiday jumpers! The event helped to raise over £300 for an important charity.

Finally, staff and students came together to help those in need through organising a food bank donation. A huge amount of non-perishable goods, from tinned food and cereals to personal hygiene products were collected and donated to the Well Project food bank in Normanton, run as part of the Trussell Trust. Nearly 120kg of food and toiletries were delivered to the food bank, marking the end of CAPA College’s Charity Week. 

CAPA College understand the importance of giving back, especially in the season of goodwill. Overall, CAPA College contributed in raising a massive £7,386.86 over the course of Charity Week and hope that they will have helped those in need over the Christmas period. A huge thank you to all those that generously donated and helped make a difference!  

Collections 2019: CAPA College showcase the next generation of dance artists 

On the 27th & 28th of November CAPA College students stunned sell-out audiences with ‘Collections’, performed at CAPA College’s Unity Hall campus. The performance incorporated a full evening of dance work, with choreography that wowed and showcased the impressive talent of the students who will become the next generation of dance artists!  

The evening was jam-packed with incredible choreography, showcasing a wide variety of dance styles; highlighting the versatility that CAPA College students possess. From graceful precision to the wry and mischievous, Collections was a celebration of the outstanding, virtuosic skills of both the students and the creative talents of the CAPA College faculty. 

The programme commenced with ‘Speak Easy’, a 1940s inspired dance that combined jive, jazz and lindy-hop with commercial and street styles. This high energy performance filled Unity Hall with an exhilarating atmosphere that left audiences with huge smiles!  

The evening also premiered new talents. Firstly, CAPA College’s ensemble tap performance, named ‘Tapa’, allowed a dynamic blend of tap and urban dance to be performed by an all-female company – this flawless performance was one to be remembered. 

CAPA College’s new outreach and education programme, CHARGE, was also showcased. CHARGE aims to connect with the wider community, introducing them to the CAPA College experience through expanding opportunities for students to access high quality Arts training. Collections premiered CHARGE’s latest dance company – Momentum Youth Boys.  

CAPA College were honoured to have exciting new artist Anthony Matsena choreograph a sensationally impactful and expressive dance named ‘Mupenya’ for Momentum Youth Boys. Anthony, who was fresh from creating a new touring work for the National Dance Company of Wales created a playful performance through highlighting the bond and trust between the boys using powerful dance and movements. A massive well done to the 16 young men involved in this spectacular performance! 

Collections was performed to sell-out audiences who gave a wonderful reaction to the diverse choreography. Edward Lynch, founder member of Phoenix Dance Theatre stated, “I haven’t seen dance like that in years…the passion, the technique…I’m totally inspired.” 

Since its formation in 2006, CAPA College has developed a regional and national reputation as a centre of excellence in the Arts, giving students aged 16-19 access to a team of top professional teachers, alongside industry standard facilities. CAPA College delivers the highest quality Arts training in the North. Collections showcased the hard work of the current CAPA College students and proved that the future is bright for this cohort of performers! 

A huge well done to everyone involved in creating this sophisticated and impressive showcase! We can’t wait to see what lies ahead for the extremely talented next generation of dancers that can be found at CAPA College. 

Do you want to be the next rising star? Why not join CAPA College in September 2020? 

For more information about joining CAPA College please see the current Prospectus here: https://www.capa.college/prospectus/ 

CAPA College thrill at Yorkshire Schools Dance Festival 2019 

In November 2019 CAPA College returned to Yorkshire Schools Dance Festival with a ground-breaking new piece of choreography about the impact of climate change. Aged between 16 and 19, students from the leading Creative and Performing Arts College gave a spellbinding performance to an audience of over 2,000 people in York. 

A unique provision in the North of England, CAPA College provides full time Performing and Production Arts training to students aged 16-19. As Wakefield’s first DfE-funded Free School, it values the importance of providing opportunities for young people to train within the Arts. 

Each year Yorkshire Dance Schools Festival give a theme for participating groups to interpret. This year’s theme was ‘Reflections’.  

With global warming and environmental issues rapidly coming to the forefront of discussion in recent years, CAPA College’s performance tackled the difficult truths surrounding man-made climate change. It explored the physical consequences of rising seas, and the emotional impact on young people. This powerful choreography on the climate emergency was named ‘Rise’. 

The event showcased CAPA College students alongside children and young people from 56 other primary schools, secondary schools, colleges and community dance groups. Over 1,200 dancers performed at the non-competitive event over four days, with all ages and dance styles being showcased and celebrated. It was a sensational display of dance and an honour to perform amongst so many other talented schools. 

A stunning and thoughtful piece of choreography, ‘Rise’ showcased CAPA College’s exceptionally talented students. With alumni from the College going on to study at leading national and international conservatoires as well as taking up leading roles on the stage and screen, we’re sure there’s lots more to come from these rising stars. 

If you’re interested in joining us at CAPA College in September 2020 and taking up your place on the Yorkshire Schools Dance Festival stage next year, make sure you apply by Friday 24th January. You will find more information and a link to our online application form here. 

Planning permission granted for CAPA College’s (Creative and Performing Arts College) new, permanent home on Mulberry Way, Wakefield

Today planning permission was granted for a new, permanent home for CAPA College (Creative and Performing Arts College) on Mulberry Way (opposite Wakefield Westgate train station). The state of the art, multi-million pound facilities will house dance, drama and singing studios as well as industry-standard production facilities, a 150-seat theatre, a public cafe with outdoor terrace and an amphitheatre.

‘We’re absolutely thrilled at today’s news,’ says Strategic Director Claire Nicholson. ‘This building is about much more than bricks and mortar, it is about being in a position to offer more opportunities, more facilities and more support to talented and creative young people from across Yorkshire and the North of England.’

Since opening its doors as Wakefield’s first DfE-funded Free School within Enhance Academy Trust in September 2018, CAPA College has set its sights on becoming a flagship for Arts education in the North. It has already enjoyed a phenomenal couple of terms with a range of professional workshops, creative projects and live performances at The Hepworth Wakefield, Cast in Doncaster and ExCeL London.

This year CAPA College received an unprecedented number of applications for September 2019. It was heavily oversubscribed across all of the four course pathways: Dance, Drama, Musical Theatre and Production Arts & Media. The new facilities will enable the college to significantly increase their intake to 500 students across two year groups ensuring that as many students as possible have access to professional Arts tuition and training.

‘We passionately believe that talented and creative young people aged 16-19 should have access to the best Performing and Creative Arts education and training right here in the North of England’ says Artistic Director Eddie Copp.  ‘We inspire, train and educate the next generation of performers, creatives, designers and technicians. CAPA College is a vital stepping stone to professional Arts employment as well as higher education and national and international conservatoires.’

Construction work is expected to start in late Spring with the project complete in September 2020. In the meantime CAPA College will continue to rent temporary facilities around Wakefield.

CAPA College wows audiences with exceptional performances at Move It 2019

On Friday 8th March CAPA College returned to the ExCeL London for its thirteenth consecutive Move It exhibition – and it was the best year yet! 

Taking place over three days in early Spring, Move It is the world’s biggest dance event. It brings together representatives from across the dance community – performers, choreographers, students, conservatoires and retailers – to celebrate all things dance in one action-packed weekend. 

CAPA College took up residence in their usual home – Stand 444 – for the duration of the event. Designed and built by our Production Arts students and alumni, this year CAPA College’s stand featured theatre rigging with 360 degree displays, a giant illuminated ‘CAPA College’ star and our very own personalised light box – which proved a big hit with college students and visitors alike. 

As well as stands, stalls and shops, Move It is celebrated for its impressive range of classes and workshops and CAPA College was well represented with a range of high-energy classes delivered by college graduates, teachers and professional dancers Alex Bowen and Keith Luke Gillott. From 1940s-inspired Speakeasy Funk and explosive 90s pop to under-16s commercial, a Fosse masterclass and a lyrical tribute to the latest musical sensation ‘Dear Evan Hansen’, all of the classes were sold out in advance and gave a sneak peek into daily life at CAPA College. As always the feedback from these classes was fantastic and the smiles that emanated from the studios spoke for themselves. 

The piece de resistance of Move It is always its phenomenal performance opportunities. With two venues on offer – Main Stage and the Showcase Theatre – performance slots are awarded on the quality of the choreography and presentation skills. CAPA College was thrilled to be allocated the maximum three performances on the Main Stage (one each day Friday-Sunday) and four in the Showcase Theatre. It was then over to our talented team to illustrate exactly what CAPA College has to offer… 

In the Showcase Theatre our Dance, Drama and Performing Arts students offered their own spectacular tribute to the American songstress Carole King with a medley of songs from the hit musical Beautiful. Cue slicked back hair, 60s bouffants, blue and silver mini dresses and a generous helping of soul as CAPA College students channeled the electric power of songs such as (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, I Feel the Earth Move and Chains to the delight of audiences. Arranged by Pauline Trusselle with choreography by Alex Bowen and Claire Nicholson, the performances were sleek and stylish and a real credit to the college. Congratulations to everyone involved! 

On the Main Stage Alex Bowen, Keith Luke Gillott and Eddie Copp showcased their exceptional choreography skills by creating not one, not two, but three new stylish pieces of commercial and contemporary dance. First up an explosive fusion of slick, commercial street and carnival: Back to the 90s. Set to the iconic Spice Up Your Life, this was a spectacular celebration of the Spice Girls and all things Girl Power. Conjuring their inner Scary Spice, CAPA College students burst on to the stage clad head to toe in leopard print and denim and kicked, flipped and boogied their way through the routine. Wow! What a feelgood performance. We were very proud. 

On Saturday the cast of Keith Luke Gillott’s Speakeasy took to the stage. This Forties-inspired masterpiece combined jazz, jive and lindy hop with commercial and street in one rip-roaring, super-stylish routine. Picture pin-up dresses, braces, victory curls and lifts galore – all set to the soundtrack of The Mask’s Hey Pachuco (you know, the iconic club scene). The ensemble was perfectly timed, the expressions cheeky and the flips impressive… We loved it! Well done everyone. 

Last, but not least, Momentum Dance – the award-winning dance performance company of CAPA College – presented their powerful homage to Margaret Atwood’s ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. The all-female performance combined stunning technique, emotive characterisation and beautiful narrative. With a stellar soundtrack and iconic costumes, this one left a lasting impression. Everyone stood mesmerised with chills running up their spines and the otherwise riotous ExCeL fell completely silent as the audience absorbed Alex Bowen and Eddie Copp’s powerful interpretation of this tale of totalitarianism and oppression. It was simply stunning. Congratulations to our performers – you were a real credit to Momentum Dance and CAPA College. 

Special mention must also be made to our wonderful CAPA College alumni who came out in droves to support their alma mater. It was so lovely to see you all and we’re very proud of the fantastic performers, creatives, designers and technicians that you have become. 

Didn’t make it to Move It this year? Don’t worry, you can catch all of CAPA College’s spellbinding performances on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_jQYwUT-pW_guu9do3Kzxg 

For more information about joining CAPA College please see the current Prospectus here: https://www.capa.college/prospectus/ 

We’d like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to everyone who helped to make Move It 2019 so memorable for CAPA College. We’ll see you all at Move It 2020! 

As graduates from one of the leading Arts education providers in the North of England, students from CAPA College (Creative and Performing Arts College) in Wakefield have gone on to study at some of the most prestigious Arts conservatoires in the UK and beyond.  

CAPA College is in the top 1% for student progress in the country with 100% of students achieving the grades they require to successfully progress to their first choice higher education destination. In recent years graduates have secured places at ArtsEd, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Mountview, the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp and the Institute of the Arts Barcelona. 

After graduating from CAPA College in 2016, Niall Egan chose to develop his skills and experience with a BA Hons in Contemporary Dance at the London Contemporary Dance School. 

‘Every lesson at CAPA College taught me something different about myself,’ Niall says, ‘whether it was self-determination, exploration of my creativity or understanding how important it is to be surrounded by loving support when going through difficult times. CAPA College gave me the base I needed to start building a successful career in Dance and choreography.’ 

Since leaving CAPA College Niall has taken part in a number of high-profile productions, worked alongside the Batsheva Dance Company, choreographed his own work for the Robin Howard Dance Theatre and modelled for the London Queer Fashion Show. 

Now Niall will put his early training at CAPA College to good use as he commences an apprenticeship at the highly-acclaimed Richard Alston Dance Company (RADC). Having worked with Richard Alston on an improvised version Rainbow Ripples during his degree studies, Niall will take up the one-year apprenticeship with the celebrated choreographer later this year before embarking on a UK and US tour in 2020. 

‘I am extremely excited and look forward to working with Richard Alston Dance Company as the apprentice for the company’s final year,’ Niall told us. ‘I will be performing on tour around the UK and USA and will also be completing my Masters degree while I am with the company.’ 

We would like to take this opportunity to wish Niall all the best with his apprenticeship. We are so very proud and we can’t wait to see you perform with RADC soon! 

CAPA College students excel in the college’s first Intensives Week

It is safe to say that no two weeks at CAPA College are the same. Yorkshire’s leading Creative and Performing Arts College provides excellent Arts training and ‘Outstanding’ education to young people aged 16 to 19 from across the North of England. Every day is filled with song and study, dance and drama as students take their first steps towards a professional career on stage and backstage. 

However, life at CAPA College became even more energetic and exciting recently when all 106 full-time students were taken off timetable for the college’s first Intensives Week. 

Intensives Week was an opportunity for students to focus on a particular project, learn new skills and techniques and experience the vigour of a professional rehearsal schedule. They worked in six companies to a strict commission in order to create six new and original works. 

Over the course of the week, students were supported and challenged to master new choreography, interpret scripts and devise new pieces, learn new vocal arrangements (both accompanied and a capella) and shoot and edit their own short video. 

Despite the demanding nature of these projects, students approached Intensives Week with professionalism and enthusiasm and it wasn’t long before the music of Hamilton could be heard blasting from the singing studio, shrieks and soliloquies emanated from the drama studio and all manner of contemporary movements were being perfected in the dance studio – all fastidiously captured on film by our talented Production Arts students. 

CAPA College were delighted to welcome back some of their most dedicated graduate students for Intensives Week who were on hand to help lead workshops, choreograph new pieces and give careers advice to current students. 

The team included Alex Bowen (CAPA College Graduate 2010) who, fresh from performing in the world premier of Dusty, devised a dance piece based on The Handmaid’s Tale entitled Under His Eye. Contemporary dancer and regular CAPA College teacher Keith Luke Gillott (who graduated in 2011), CAPA College and Guildford School of Acting graduate Will Taylor and CAPA College alumni Lucy Aspinwall (who is now studying for an MA in Choreography at Leeds Beckett University) also created a new piece based on the play Terra by Nell Leyshon. 

After five long days of rehearsal, the students created six phenomenal pieces of work: high energy, polished and showing real depth of skills. The progession they have made in just seven weeks of study is remarkable; a credit both to their willingness to learn and the expert teaching on offer at CAPA College. 

Don’t take our word for it – after seeing the work presented at a friends and family showcase event, one parent remarked “I’ve never seen my daughter shine so bright”, while a sister declared “it was fantastic to see so many students thriving in their art form, ALL clearly loving their time at CAPA College and using their passion for the arts as a driving force to succeed”. 

We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this exceptional year group. The class of 2020 will be one to remember!

Based in the heart of Wakefield, CAPA College (Creative and Performing Arts College) provides specialist Arts tuition to students aged 16 to 19 from across Yorkshire and beyond. It was established to provide support to the region’s talented and creative young people by giving them access to professional training, excellent teaching and industry-standard facilities. 

Since its inception in 2006, the college has helped many budding actors, singers and dancers achieve their dream of performing in the country’s best theatres. CAPA College graduates have gone on to take leading roles in Miss Saigon at The Alhambra Theatre in Bradford, The Producers at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester and Wicked at The Apollo Victoria Theatre in London. 

This summer one CAPA College graduate’s days of Wishin’ and Hopin’ were over when she was cast in the world premier of Dusty; a musical about the life of Sixties superstar Dusty Springfield. 

In her days at CAPA College singer, dancer and actor Alex Bowen turned her hand to many musical legends – her interpretation of Killer Queen in the 2011 production of We Will Rock You remains a highlight in the college’s history – but her performance as Kiki Dee alongside Katherine Kingsley and Rufus Hound in Dusty is definitely one to beat. 

Written by BAFTA and Olivier Award nominated Jonathan Harvey and renowned director Maria Friedman, Dusty was based on first-hand accounts of Dusty Springfield’s life and career from her manager, personal assistant and record company executive. It made its world premier at Theatre Royal Bath before playing to packed theatres in Sheffield, Newcastle and Salford. 

The sell-out show received rave reviews with the audience leaping to their feet for a standing ovation almost every night of the tour. For us – Alex stole the show. 

‘I absolutely loved playing the role of Kiki Dee and being part of the Ensemble,’ Alex says. ‘I had the best time working with a cast full of extremely talented people and being part of a brand new show. It is a very special moment in my career that I will remember forever!’ 

Current students at CAPA College are now able to benefit from Alex’s recent experience as she joins the list of teaching staff for 2018/2019. Having also trained at Bird College and Arts Educational Schools, Alex will be teaching jazz and choreography to the Class of 2020. 

Congratulations Alex. We are very proud!

CAPA College (Creative and Performing Arts College) is a gateway to professional Arts careers for many young people from across Yorkshire and beyond. After studying for two years at the leading Arts college in Wakefield, many CAPA College graduates have gone on to star on the stage and screen as well becoming professional creatives, designers and technicians.  

Now a CAPA College graduate is making a name for herself in the bright lights of Hollywood. This summer CAPA College alumni Rae Clarke appeared in cinemas across the globe in the much-anticipated sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. 

A talented dancer and actor, Rae graduated from CAPA College’s Performing Arts pathway in 2014, before going on to study at Bird College of Dance, Music and Theatre Performance in London. 

Now, fresh from graduating from Bird College, Rae has got her big break on the silver screen as she performs among the ensemble cast of Mamma Mia 2 alongside Meryl Streep, Julie Walters and Amanda Seyfried.  

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is the sequel to the iconic 2008 film which offered a tale of love and romance enveloped in the greatest hits of Abba. Filming for Here We Go Again, which largely took place on the Croatian island of Vis, saw Rae and the star-studded cast sing and dance to such chart-topping hits as Super Trouper, Knowing Me, Knowing You and Fernando. 

Congratulations Rae – you’ll always be our dancing queen! 

Congratulations to the CAPA College Class of 2018 who have achieved phenomenal results this year; the college’s best yet. 

CAPA College (Creative and Performing Arts College) is a specialist Arts college based in the heart of Wakefield. It offers full-time Arts training and education for students aged 16-19. An exciting alternative to traditional sixth form education, CAPA College equip students with the knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to pursue careers in the professional Arts sector: both on stage and backstage. 

CAPA College are proud that since their inception in 2006, all of their students have graduated with 100% pass rate and 100% acceptance at first choice higher education establishments and this year is no exception. 

This summer the 50 plus students who made up CAPA College’s Class of 2018 nervously collected their A level and BTEC results from CAPA College’s temporary home on Thornes Road, Wakefield. They needn’t have worried: the hard work and perseverance of these talented students paid off. 

All of the students, who were enrolled on either the Performing Arts: Musical Theatre or Production Arts: Theatre, Film and Media pathway, achieved or surpassed their predicted grades with 100% pass rate and 85% A*-B. These were well-deserved results for a cohort of wonderful students. 

In addition to these amazing results, this was also an incredible year for student destinations. Students this year have progressed straight into the Arts industry and gained places at leading conservatoires in the UK and abroad, including Urdang Academy, Trinity Laban, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Performers College, Northern School of Contemporary Dance, ArtsEd, Laine Theatre Arts and Koninklijk Conservatorium. 

Well done CAPA College Class of 2018 – best wishes for an amazing future and keep in touch!

Wakefield’s first Department for Education (DFE) funded Free School opened its doors in September 2018. CAPA College, a specialist Arts college for students aged 16-19, was one of only 53 Free Schools to open in England this year. It is set to become a flagship for Arts Education in the North. 

Over 100 excited students arrived at CAPA College in Wakefield in September armed with outstanding GCSE results, a passion for the Arts and an eagerness to take the first step towards a career in the Creative Arts. 

CAPA College is not your average Further Education institution. At CAPA College students will receive professional Arts training in a range of disciplines – from singing, dancing and acting to costume, set and lighting design – alongside rigorous academic study. Over two years of full-time study students will obtain the equivalent of four A levels as well as the skills, knowledge, training and experience they need to progress to universities, vocational Arts conservatoires and Arts-based employment. 

Students are enrolled on four distinct pathways (Dance, Drama, Performing Arts and Production Arts & Media) and will benefit from tuition from professional teachers, directors, choreographers, musical directors, designers and technicians while enjoying access to industry-standard facilities. Alongside an outstanding curriculum, students will gain extensive experience performing throughout the UK and working alongside professional artists, companies and theatre venues. 

Claire Nicholson, Strategic Director of CAPA College says, ‘We are delighted to be launching CAPA College. It is testament to the vision and tenacity of our accomplished CAPA College team. Together we will deliver the highest quality training, education and pastoral guidance to support talented students who are serious about pursuing a career in the Arts.’ 

This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for CAPA College (part of Enhance Academy Trust) which will see a significant expansion in the upcoming years. CAPA College will be moving to purpose-built premises on Mulberry Way, Wakefield (opposite Wakefield Westgate train station) in September 2020. As the gateway to Wakefield, CAPA College will offer more opportunities, more facilities and more support to students across the North of England. CAPA College are currently renting temporary accommodation at Cathedral Academy, Wakefield.

CAPA College’s dance performance company, Momentum Dance, were invited to perform as a ‘guest showcase company’ at the prestigious annual regional youth dance festival ‘Fresh.’  The sold-out performance at York Theatre Royal featured youth dance companies from across the Yorkshire region.  Momentum closed the festival with their performance of the contemporary choreography ‘On the fence (about something).’  The choreography by CAPA College alumnus, John-William Watson, was originally performed and selected for the prestigious New Dimensions strand of the U.Dance 2017 National Youth Dance Festival which took place the Birmingham Hippodrome.

For the 11^th consecutive year CAPA College were selected to perform and teach at Move It, the UK’s leading performing arts exhibition.  CAPA College students took to the Mainstage with three exciting and diverse choreographies:  ‘Discotheque’ – a high-energy commercial dance performance exploring the style and music of the 1970’s created by CAPA College resident choreographers Keith Luke Gillott & Alex Bowen; ‘Whitney’ – a choreographic tribute to the great Whitney Houston in a slick jazz dance performance choreographed by Alex Bowen; ‘On the fence (about something)’ – an extract of the wonderful contemporary choreography by CAPA College alumnus John-William Watson.  CAPA College were also selected to perform in the Move It Showcase Theatre with four performances of an all singing, all dancing  Musical Theatre medley of ‘In the Heights.’   Fantastic performance opportunities for the CAPA College students to be perform in such a high profile event and receive such wonderful audience reactions.  Alongside student performances, CAPA College staff were invited to teach four sell-out dance masterclasses in a range of dance styles, with teachers receiving fantastic feedback from participants.