ASPIRING actors and musicians will now be able to develop their skills from as young as 11.
Cathedral Academy of Performing Arts (CAPA), on Thornes Road, is to open a junior section for year 7 pupils from September.
It will allow up to 60 children to learn about performing arts while studying for their usual GCSE and Btec qualifications at neighbouring Cathedral Academy.
CAPA has been providing professional training in performing arts for pupils aged 16 to 19-years-old for the past seven years.
And its most successful student Frances Wood, who made the finals of BBC One’s talent contest The Voice, was on hand to inspire future generations during auditions this week.
Pauline Trusselle, arts education and community outreach co-ordinator, said: “We want to build on the success we have had with the 16 to 19-year-olds and offer the same to a younger age group.
“Receiving high standard tuition from the age of 11 will ensure that CAPA Juniors have the best technical grounding to continue on to careers in the arts, and the experience in performance to be confident and shine on the stage.”
This is the first time such a course will be offered for free outside of London.
Successful pupils will have extra lessons at the end of their day to learn dance, drama, singing, production and creative media, while more traditional classes will incorporate performing arts.
This week, current students worked with David Toole, who was responsible for the Paralympic Games opening ceremony, to perform musical Changing Lives, Changing Times.
To apply for CAPA Juniors contact them on 01924 330640 or via info@capacollege.co.uk
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