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!
