Business Details
15 Years
experience
Performing Arts Education in Cincinnati
Founded in 2011, Cincinnati Academy of Performing Arts (CAPA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to fostering excellence in performing arts education for K-12 students and adults. We provide after-school group classes, private lessons, and community productions at schools including Indian Hill, Mariemont, and Terrace Park. Our summer programs feature musical theater and film production camps, while outreach initiatives deliver free dance programs to underserved communities like Chase Elementary. With a focus on accessibility, our instructors collaborate with school staff to align curricula and ensure convenience for families.CAPAs outreach extends to summer dance camps, holiday performances, and partnerships with local organizations to promote arts education. Our leadership team combines decades of experience in education, theater, and community engagement. We emphasize measurable outcomes through student performances, recitals, and scholarship competitions that showcase participant growth. Transparency in operations and community partnerships remain central to our mission of making performing arts accessible to all.
Services
Group Classes
Private Lessons
Summer Camps
Outreach Programs
Vocal Competitions
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- We offer 14 years of experience in performing arts education since 2011
- Our staff includes certified educators with theater and music expertise
- We provide free outreach programs in underserved Cincinnati communities
- We partner with local schools for convenient after-school programming
- We host annual scholarship competitions and community performances
What people say
Life saver for working parents
Students gained confidence
Affordable summer camp
Professional instructors
Community partnerships
Services
Group Classes
After-school performing arts classes in dance, theater, and music for K-12 students. Offered at multiple Cincinnati-area schools, these classes emphasize skill development through collaborative learning. Programs align with school calendars and include performance opportunities at school assemblies and community events.
Private Lessons
Personalized performing arts instruction in voice, piano, and acting for students and adults. Available at Indian Hill campus with flexible scheduling options. Tailored lesson plans accommodate various skill levels from beginners to advanced performers preparing for auditions.
Summer Camps
Intensive summer camps in musical theater and film production for Tri-State area students. Two-week programs culminate in public performances, with free lunch provided daily. Camps emphasize creativity, collaboration, and technical skill development in a professional arts environment.
Outreach Programs
Free dance and performing arts programs for underserved communities. Includes year-round classes at Chase Elementary and summer camps in College Hill. Programs focus on cultural expression through ballet, tap, and Afro-Caribbean dance with public performance opportunities.
Vocal Competitions
Annual vocal scholarship competition offering up to $1,000 in awards. Open to high school students from across the region, featuring classical and contemporary performance categories. Proceeds support arts education access for underprivileged students.
People
Robin Schwanekamp
Executive Director
Founder of CAPA with 14 years of nonprofit leadership experience. Former commercial actor and marketing professional with Miami University BS. Active in local education and arts organizations, balancing four children while building CAPA's community impact.
Kelly Walker
Program Coordinator
Performing arts educator with 20+ years of experience in theater and music education. Holds master's degree in music education from University of Dayton. Specializes in youth program development and arts advocacy, with two children actively involved in local performing arts.
Questions
What performing arts programs does CAPA offer?
CAPA provides group classes, private lessons, summer camps, and outreach programs in dance, theater, music, and film production for K-12 students and adults.
How can I register for CAPA classes?
Registration for after-school group classes and private lessons is available through our website, with mid-session enrollment options for most programs.
Does CAPA offer financial assistance?
We provide free outreach programs and summer camps through sponsorships, with scholarship opportunities available for qualifying participants.
What community outreach initiatives does CAPA support?
CAPA delivers free dance programs at Chase Elementary, summer camps in underserved areas, and partners with local organizations to expand arts access.
How does CAPA collaborate with schools?
We offer on-site after-school programming at multiple schools, coordinate with faculty to align curricula, and donate program proceeds back to partner schools.
