By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Creative and Performing Arts School (CAPAS) will welcome its first cohort of about 50 students on Monday as part of a soft launch that officials say marks the start of a new era for arts education in the country.

The school is operating from the former Phil’s Food Services property on Gladstone Road, which has three buildings. In the initial phase, students will be taught in the northeastern section of the site, behind the Small Business Development Centre. Renovations are ongoing to prepare the main building, which will eventually house the full campus and studios.

“Next year we might have the full plan finished to move into the main building, but right now our focus is to get the students into the first phase and then move from there,” project manager Hartman Longley said during an Office of the Prime Minister press briefing yesterday.

The 50 students are split between full-time and part-time enrolment. Ian Poitier, policy and communications advisor in the Office of the Prime Minister, described this as CAPAS’ “foundation year,” focusing on acting, dance and singing. He said interest has already come from abroad, with inquiries from Barbados and Guyana, and officials expect international enrolment to grow over time.

Musical director Victor Johnson, founder of the Musicians Artists of Vocalist Showcase, leader of the Essence Band and a member of the Lyford Cay International School music faculty, will oversee productions. He said the programme will stress discipline while providing a broad education designed to spark creativity and give students a stronger chance of achieving global success.

Bahamians will attend tuition-free, while international students will pay fees. Mr Poitier acknowledged some students may struggle with other costs and said fundraising is underway to provide care packages, with donations already pledged by private supporters.

A site tour will be held on Monday to introduce students to training areas. An official grand opening is planned for early next year, where student performances will showcase the school’s progress.

Applicants must be at least 18 and audition with an acting piece, song or dance routine. Students may enrol in a three-year full-time programme or opt for part-time courses.